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Today in History: Nineteenth Amendment ratified, granting women voting rights

8/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On August 18 1920, the United States ratified the Nineteenth Amendment after 36 states approved it, legally prohibiting denial of the vote based on sex. The amendment, first introduced in Congress in 1878 and passed by the House on May 21 1919 and the Senate on June 4 1919, secured women’s suffrage nationwide.

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Story summary

On August 18 1920, the United States ratified the Nineteenth Amendment after 36 states approved it, legally prohibiting denial of the vote based on sex. The amendment, first introduced in Congress in 1878 and passed by the House on May 21 1919 and the Senate on June 4 1919, secured women’s suffrage nationwide.