Years and one day ago went to the polls to eagerly cast their very first ballot in the november 2, 1920 president ial election. They did not take their vote for granted or believe it did not matter. They fought so hard and endured so much to obtain it. To wait inmen had extraordinarily long time to vote, 144 years after the birth of our democracy. Many other americans had to wait even longer. Last year, i was incredibly of myd to join 17 National Association of secretaries of state colleague on a journey to selma, birmingham, and montgomery, alabama, to share, witness, and try to absorb the historical moment and landmarks that epitomized the devastating struggle and inspiring achievement of the Voting Rights movement. These civil rights struggles and victories help persuade president johnson to sign the Voting Rights act of 1965, finally ensuring Voting Rights for all americans. Thanks to the giants of suffragists in the civil rights movement, we have been granted the opportunity and r