Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) released the following statement on the upcoming 100th anniversary of New Jersey ratifying the 19th amendment of the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote:
“Every woman is indebted to those who came before us who risked everything so that we could have the rights and privileges we do today.
“The suffragists who were jailed, beaten or tortured 100 years ago were thinking of the women of the future. They wanted their daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters to be able to vote, run for public office and make their voices heard. In living out my dream of public service, I am also fulfilling theirs.
“The ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment was a pivotal chapter in our country’s ongoing and unfinished story of equality for all. There’s work left to be done. We must have the courage to continue pressing forward. Like the women before me, I’m motivated by those who will come after.”