Birthday Party Celebrates the 84th Anniversary of a Woman’s Right to Vote
Albuquerque, NM -- Marking the 84th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote, NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico, with Jane Fonda and LaDonna Harris, today launched its “NM Women Vote 2004” program to increase voter participation among infrequent women voters in New Mexico.
"Enough already with sweeping women’s issues under the rug. If we want our concerns and our values to be reflected in the body politic we must get out and vote and make our voices heard,” stated Jane Fonda.
Thousands of women in New Mexico did not vote in the last presidential election, and the presidency was decided by just 366 votes in the state.
“In New Mexico, there are 82,000 more registered women than men, but of the 30 million 18-34 year old women eligible to vote nationwide in 2000, less than half went to the polls,” stated Giovanna Rossi, Executive Director NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico. “New Mexico Women Vote 2004 will be THE mobilizing campaign for the women vote in New Mexico,” added Rossi.
“NM Women Vote 2004” will motivate women to make a difference this election by exercising their right to vote, and by helping other women get out to vote. Through the birthday and launch celebration, NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico provided volunteers with information about the campaign and gave them immediate opportunities to get involved.
LaDonna Harris, President of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), a national multi-tribal organization devoted to developing the economic opportunities and resources of American Indians throughout the United States stated that “The Native American women vote is critical because we can make all the difference in deciding key issues important to women. Native Americans and women can swing the vote in New Mexico.”
“We will be calling women and providing them with assistance to vote by mail, to vote early, and to get to the polls on Election Day, “ said Rossi. “We believe that voting feels good and that every woman should have the opportunity to have her voice heard this election.”
QUICK FACTS
• In New Mexico 82,000 more women than men are registered to vote. Source: Rebecca Vigil-Giron, NM Secretary of State.
• Of the 380,000 women registered to vote in New Mexico in 2000, just over half cast their ballots. Source: New Mexico State Voter File.
• 15 million 18-34 year old women did not vote in the last presidential election. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov.
