Image from the San Antonio Express
Lila Cockrell was the first woman mayor of San Antonio. At the time of her first election, she was also the only woman in the U.S. to serve as mayor of a major city.
Image from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
In 1972, voters approved an amendment to the Texas Constitution granting equal legal rights to women. Texas ERA advocates campaigned through multiple legislative sessions dating back to the 1950s before the measure was placed before the voters—48 years after the passage of the 19th Amendment.
Image from the AFL-CIO Posters, Broadsides, and Art Collection.
Today the notion of paying to vote seems preposterous. But for generations of Texans, payment of a poll tax was required if you wanted to receive a ballot. The practice was finally outlawed by federal and state laws in the 1960s.
Image from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
In addition to the passage of the Texas ERA, 1972 also saw the swearing-in of Barbara Jordan—the first African-American woman to serve in the Texas Legislature—as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate. The position is one of the highest honors that the Texas chamber can bestow upon its members.
Image from the League of Women Voters
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the League of Women Voters of Texas and other voter mobilization groups are using social media, texting, phone banking, mailers, and other communication channels to help voters register and learn how to apply for voting by mail or otherwise participate safely in the 2020 election.