It sometimes seems hard to believe, but women have had the right to vote for only 90 years. The struggle to obtain the right to vote was difficult – and often violent. The Women’s Committee of the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association is hoping to inspire more people to vote with the showing of a movie on October 22 that documents that struggle.

 

"Seeing Iron Jawed Angels made me rethink the right and privilege to vote,” says Debbi Tanner, Chair of the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. "It’s only been a couple of generations and we’ve already forgotten the blood and tears that were shed by so many women and men who fought for our right to vote. Seeing the anger and apathy leading up to this year’s Election Day on November 2nd, we thought it was fitting to show the movie, inspire people to vote, and raise some money for a good cause along the way. We hope that folks will make it a date night--bring a spouse or some friends and generate some conversation about why we all need to vote.”

 

Iron Jawed Angles was first released in 2004 on HBO and chronicles the women’s suffrage movement of the 1910s. It stars Hillary Swank and Frances O’Connor and tells the true story of the arrest and treatment of women who rallied for the passage of the 19th Amendment.

 

"I’m thankful that in our country we solve disputes not with the destruction of bullets but with the power of the ballot. It’s important to remember how vital our right to vote is and this movie does just that. Our intent is to encourage others to become involved and execute their voting rights this November,” says Tanner.

 

The free showing will take place at the Connecticut Farm Bureau offices at 775 Bloomfield Ave in Windsor on Friday, October 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be sold and donations will be accepted with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.

 

About the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association 

Since 1919, The Connecticut Farm Bureau Association has provided a strong, clear voice in state agricultural issues. As a non-governmental, voluntary organization of farm families, the Connecticut Farm Bureau is united to find solutions for concerns facing production agriculture in our counties, state and nation. The Women's Committee's emphasis on political education programs is one aspect of its focus which also includes agriculture education, leadership development and legislative programs. Volunteer leaders and staff work closely with state and federal regulatory agencies and elected officials on issues ranging from economic viability, property rights, taxation, land use planning to labor laws and farmland preservation. For more information visit www.cfba.org.