Voters in Latah County, Idaho

The election of 1896 was the second presidential election which Idaho participated in as a state. Local companies knew the importance of voting and printed campaign guides for presidential elections.

When Idaho became a state in 1890, not everyone in Idaho could vote in local or state elections. Moscow, Idaho resident William McConnell was governor of Idaho from 1893-1896, he helped pass two suffrage amendments to the Idaho State Constitution. One allowed Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the right to vote in Idaho, and the other allowed women to vote in the state.

Suffrage came early to the women of Idaho. Idaho’s General Election Proclamation-1896, Signed by Governor McConnell, declared that the citizens of Idaho could vote to grant women the equal right of suffrage. On November 3rd, 1896, 66% of Idahoan voters voted in favor of women's suffrage. As a result, Idaho became the fourth state in the United States to obtain women's suffrage.

The fight for women's rights did not stop with suffrage. Even though women had gained the right to vote in the state of Idaho, many women across the United States were not able to vote. Women’s groups, like the Women's Christian Temperance Union, were formed to fight against alcoholism and equal rights for women.


Clara Payne Grove was interview by Sam Schrager on November 21st, 1975. In the interview she discusses the history of the WCTU and their work with prohibition. She also discusses treating the sick and wounded during World War I, and family life in the early 1900s.

This interview is part of the Latah County Oral History Collection and the remainder of the interview can be found at https://bit.ly/2CXnZNK

On August 18th of 1920, the 19th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States was ratified. The addition of these 39 words to the Constitution enabled women's voices to be heard in elections:

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

After the 19th Amendment was ratified, many women’s groups continued to advocate for women and voting rights. The Moscow League of Women Voters was formed in 1952 and continues to work to educate and inform the public about voting.

This young boy holds a sign at Friendship Square in Moscow, Idaho. He is encouraging the people of Latah County to register to vote. Voting is one way to voice your opinions.

Today, we see signs in our neighbors yards advertising various political candidates.

How have Latah candidates advertised their campaigns throughout the last 130 years?

Latah County residents have used creative measures in their campaigns to capture voters' interest. Banners, handbills, campaign cards, buttons and more, are all ways politicians have advertised their campaigns to the public. Handing out campaign cards with a name and picture was a way for voters to connect to and remember candidates.

Creative and unique campaign strategies help a candidate stand out. In the early 1900s, Daniel Hannah created a handbill with a rhyming poem to convince people to vote for him.

Catchy slogans have been a great way capture voters' attention, and some slogans have been remembered for decades after. Eisenhower's "I Like Ike" campaign was very memorable. Two boys can be seen wearing shirts with this slogan.

Campaign strategies were not always proper. Lola Clyde tells a few stories from the turn of the century of activities on election day that were less than legal.
On January 7th 1975, in an interview by Sam Schrager, Lola Clyde describes early Idaho politics, folk beliefs, religion, and teaching.

This interview is part of the Latah County Oral history Collection and can be found at https://bit.ly/311lPVh

Throughout the 20th century it was common to vote for only candidates belonging to one party. If you were a democrat, you would select a democratic party ticket and only vote for the names on that ballot.

Many high school students across the United States learn about the significance of voting in their American Government classes. Student held elections allow students to see the impact of voting, as they elect a class president.

Election education does not need to end after schooling ends. Voter education has been important for decades and adults have learned from voting guides and pamphlets. Some guides may teach about voting procedures, while others, like this one, educate the voter about the candidates.