Because women lacked full citizenship rights, Susan B. Anthony could not appeal her conviction of illegal voting. Instead, she petitioned Congress for remission of her fine. Anthony insisted the judge’s ruling was in violation of common law and of the “common morality” of the Constitution. Congress considered bills to remit the fine but took no action.
…an indictment was found against her by the grand jury….charging your petitioner….with having "Knowingly voted without having a lawful right to vote."
Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Petition of Susan B. Anthony for remission of fine imposed for voting, January 12, 1874
Claiming the Right to Vote
In 1872, before women could vote in national elections, Susan B. Anthony cast a ballot for a federal election in New York. She was arrested and put on trial. In court she argued that her action was legal under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave all citizens the right to vote. The court found her guilty but the highly publicized trial raised public awareness about woman suffrage. Women finally achieved national voting rights with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
Because women lacked full citizenship rights, Susan B. Anthony could not appeal her conviction of illegal voting. Instead, she petitioned Congress for remission of her fine. Anthony insisted the judge’s ruling was in violation of common law and of the “common morality” of the Constitution. Congress considered bills to remit the fine but took no action.
…an indictment was found against her by the grand jury….charging your petitioner….with having "Knowingly voted without having a lawful right to vote."
Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
