Archives West Finding Aid

This collection consists of a three-page holographic manuscript of Joint Resolution No. 2 of the Third Session of the Idaho Legislature, 1895; the purpose of the resolution was “to submit to the electors of the State of Idaho for their rejection, or approval, an amendment to section 2, article VI of the Constitution of the State of Idaho relating to suffrage and elections.”

In November 1896, the voters of Idaho adopted the amendment, thus making Idaho one of the first states in the nation to grant to vote to women.

Also in the collection are a metal plaque and a fountain pen. The plaque reads, “Both this document, which amended the Idaho Constitution to make it legal for women to vote and the pen used in signing that bill, are displayed here to honor Mrs. Martha Whitman, first women Regent of the University of Idaho and President of the Equal Suffrage Association. The bill was presented to the University of Idaho on behalf of the State by Secretary of State Pete T. Cenarrusa, and the pen was presented by the family of Mrs. Whitman.”

Based on this information, as well as that found on a “Post-It” note found with the collection, that reads, “From Wallace Residence Hall c. 2002,” it appears these items, along with the joint resolution, were once on display, perhaps in Whitman Hall, a residence hall located in the Wallace Residence Center on the University of Idaho Moscow campus.