City hall ceremony commemorates 100th anniversary of women's right to vote

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Aug. 26 a hundred years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution officially went into effect when Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed a proclamation certifying its ratification.

On Wednesday, a special ceremony was held outside Milwaukee City Hall to commemorate the 100th anniversary since women gained the right to vote.

The 19th Amendment in the Constitution prohibits states and the federal government from denying U.S. citizens the right to vote on the basis of sex. 

The ceremony featured female representatives from the city, county and state level and other local organizations who spoke about women's voting rights.

"I'd like to use this opportunity to say that voting again is the ultimate form of protest," said Representative LaKeshia Myers. "It is one of the best ways to challenge and buck the status quo and women have continued to time and time again to exercise their right for the good of their communities."

The ceremony also included a short program and the ringing of the bell at city hall.