Opinion: Glad to see historic marker in Lisle, N.Y.

Dear Editor,

I was very glad to see that a historic marker has been placed in Lisle, N.Y., documenting the first vote by women in New York State on Jan. 5, 1918. I was also gratified to see that such a large gathering came for the unveiling in spite of inhospitable weather. 

As a lead up to this event, 100 years ago the women of Owego were anticipating having the honor for a charter election on Jan. 7, but the women of Lisle came in two days earlier. This is the way it played out from research I did over the past year: “Owego would have a charter election on Jan. 7, 1918. This could possibly make the women of Owego the first in the state to exercise their right to vote. There was a question regarding whether more legislation would be necessary to make this come about, but a decision by the Attorney General’s office in Albany in late December said that this would not be necessary. However, an election in Lisle would be taking place on Jan. 5. Nevertheless, the women of the Southern Tier became the first and second female voters of the state to exercise their right to vote.” (Owego Gazette. Nov. 15, 1917; Dec. 20, 1917; Jan. 3, 1918)

Sincerely,

Ed Nizalowski

Newark Valley, N.Y.