League of Women Voters Observes Women’s Equality Day

TYLER — The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County celebrates Women’s Equality Day with an event at Tyler Public Library. The League kicked off a two-year run-up to the hundredth anniversary of the day American women won the right to vote — August 26, 1920. Keynote speaker Barbara Bass, Tyler’s first woman mayor, saluted the people who worked hard to achieve that right — noting that she was elected because of them. She also voiced concern about continued low voter turnout in Texas. Bass commented that “it’s time to invigorate and reinvigorate our voter base” — and that it’s “important to reclaim our freedom.” The ex-mayor was helped by several people portraying key figures in the women’s voting rights movement. The event also featured an update from state League President Grace Chimene.