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House passes resolution marking 150th anniversary of women—s voting in Utah territory
Summary
The Utah House unanimously approved House Joint Resolution 12 commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first women—s vote in the Utah territory; sponsor Rep. Ballard urged continued civic participation and the chamber recognized students and suffrage organizers present in the gallery.
Representative Katy Ballard told the House that HJR 12 is an honorary resolution marking the 150th anniversary of the territorial law that allowed Utah women to vote and praised historical leaders who advanced suffrage in the state.
"This is on an honorary day," Ballard said, recounting the role of early Utah suffragists and the painting in the chamber that depicts Emmeline B. Wells, Emily Richards and Sarah Kimball. She urged constituents to "get your family and friends register to vote and get out to vote and be involved." Several lawmakers then took the floor to recall suffrage history and to highlight civic education programs and students attending the capitol.
Multiple members spoke in support. Representative Paulson recounted the century-long struggle for women—s suffrage, and Representative Polsifer and others recognized programs such as Better Days 2020 and the students and organizers in the gallery. Representative Ballard closed by encouraging continued participation in civic life.
Voting was opened and, according to the clerk, House Joint Resolution 12 passed the House with 74 yes votes and 0 no votes. The resolution will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration. The House also used personal-privilege time to welcome teachers and more than 2,000 schoolchildren who attended the commemoration events.
The House returned to other calendar business after the vote; the resolution is honorary and does not change statutory law.
