Celebration of women voters and voting rights planned

A group of voters in St. Joseph County plans to gather next month to celebrate women voters, voting rights and responsibility of the ballot box.

Passed by Congress in June 1919 and ratified more than a year later, the 19th amendment granted women in America the right to vote. For women of color, the struggle continued until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, according to event organizer Carol Higgins.

A Mendon Township resident, Higgins said it’s important to not forget how hard-fought the right was.

A Toast to Women Voters: Past, Present and Future takes place at the UAW Local 2093 Union Hall on Hoffman Road 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 3. A toast will take place at 4:30 p.m.

Voters of all ages are welcome.