Wyoming Celebrates Anniversary of Louisa Swain’s Historic Vote

September 6th is "Louisa Swain Day" in recognition of her historic vote in Laramie in 1870. In celebration, the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office has launched an “I Voted” Sticker Contest.

Early in the morning on September 6, 1870, in Laramie, Wyoming, Louisa Swain became the first woman in the world to cast a ballot under democratically enacted laws granting women equal political rights with men. Wyoming is marking the anniversary of Louisa Swain’s historic vote.

In the fall of 2008, 138 years later, the U.S. Congress passes a resolution proclaiming September 6th as "Louisa Swain Day" in recognition of this historic event.

“Wyoming is incredibly proud of our heritage as the first state to recognize the inherent right of women to vote and to hold office.  Not only were we the first government to recognize that right, but Wyoming was the first state where a woman – Louisa Swain – cast a ballot. We continue to celebrate her vote and every vote. I encourage participation in our 'I Voted' sticker contest as we look forward to next year’s election,” Wyoming Secretary of State Edward Buchanan said in a press release.

In celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the passage of women’s suffrage in Wyoming and Louisa Swain’s historic vote, the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office has launched an “I Voted” Sticker Contest. Junior and senior high school students or college students at any level are welcome to submit entries. The sticker will be used prominently during the 2020 Election Cycle.

Contest details may be found here: soswy.state.wy.us/Elections/Docs/2020/150th_I_Voted_Sticker_Contest