"Votes for Women!" Vintage Women's Suffrage Valentines

February 14^th isn’t just Valentine’s Day – it’s also League of Women Voters’ Day! The League was founded by suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt on February 14, 1920. Catt was instrumental in helping pass the 19th Amendment, which secured women the right to vote. Ever since, the League has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen our democracy, including registering and educating voters. 

Prior to passage of the 19^th Amendment, suffragists used holidays like Valentine’s Day to promote the cause of “Votes for Women.” The National Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), the League’s predecessor, even created its own suffrage postcards! 

In honor of League of Women Voters’ Day on February 14 – and that lesser known holiday, Valentine’s Day – here are seven vintage suffrage Valentines to remind us of the importance of the vote, both in 1920 and today.
 

Courtesy of the Catherine H. Postcard Archive.
 

This Valentine by American illustator Ellen Clapsaddle was created in 1918, two years before passage of the 19th Amendment.

This 1915 postcard, titled “Good Enough for Me,” was designed by the Campbell Art Company. It was circulated by the National Woman Suffrage Publishing Company on behalf of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).

Courtesy of the Catherine H. Postcard Archive.
 

A valentine sent to Rep. Edward William Pou, a delegate to the 1916 Democratic National Convention, imploring him to support women’s suffrage. 

This 1916 Valentine attempted to court men by suggesting that women loved and respected men who supported suffrage.

Another postcard created by the National Woman Suffrage Publishing Co. and circulated on behalf of National Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).

Rooted in the women’s suffrage movement, the League is proud to continue our voter education work today. Every year, Leagues across the country register tens of thousands of voters. In 2014 alone, over 1.5 million people used VOTE411.org, the League’s one-stop-shop for election resources, to find the information they needed to vote.

Inspired by these suffrage Valentines? Celebrate the League’s 95^th anniversary by sharing our Valentine on Facebook to remind your loved ones register to vote!

The League of Women Voters is celebrating 95 years of Making Democracy Work® at every level of government. In 1920, the League was founded as an outgrowth of the movement that secured women the right to vote to help new voters engage with their government. Today, the League empowers all voters to improve their local, state and national government. Learn more about the League of Women Voters and join our celebration!