Young women and girls at Girls Inc. learn about the election process and the importance of voting from Jackson County Superior Court I judge AmyMarie Travis last Wednesday.

For The Tribune | Girls Inc.

This time of year Girls Inc. participates in an educational nonpartisan initiative called “She Votes.” They learn about voting, the election process and conduct a mock election.

For The Tribune | Girls Inc.

Girls listen intently to judge AmyMarie Travis as she talks about the importance of voting.

For The Tribune | Girls Inc.

Missy Perry prepares the girls for their mock election.

For The Tribune | Girls Inc.

Women’s right to vote was first introduced to Congress in 1878, but it took 42 years for the amendment to be ratified in 1920 after decades of protest.

Jackson Superior Court I Judge AmyMarie Travis, the first and only female judge in the county and the county’s first elected female prosecutor, recently spoke to young women at Girls Inc. on the importance of voting.

“It’s only 104 years ago that women got the right to vote,” she said. “You have to be willing to play the long game when going to vote if you want to shape the community how you want it to be.”

During election season, Girls Inc. focuses on an educational, nonpartisan initiative that supports girls of all ages to gain the skills and confidence to be future voters, candidates and political leaders.

Travis said the United States operates as a representative democracy, a type of democracy where representative is elected by the public who then vote on policy initiatives.

“It’s essential because you are voting for that person who will vote on things that reflect how you feel and what you want to see done,” she said.

According to The Indiana Book of Records, First and Fascinating Faces, Anna D. Monroe of Indianapolis became the first woman to cast her ballot on Nov. 2, 1920, and was joined by more than 500,000 women. Kathleen Myron was reportedly the first woman to vote in Jackson County.

After that election, Julia D. Nelson of Delaware County became the first woman to serve in the Indiana General Assembly.

Travis told the girls that even though one vote may not feel like it counts, their voice matters.

“You are not just voting for president, but you are voting for your city and county councilman, your state representatives,” she said. “Down the ballots those votes can be close.”

During the 2023 municipal primary election in Jackson County approximately 12,887 were registered to vote, but only 1,574 (12%) of those registered actually cast a ballot.

“When you go and vote your voice can count big for more than just yourself,” she said.

Travis said one girl wanted to vote for the candidate that would lower taxes and asked Travis who she should vote for.

“Voting controls how money is spent,” she said. “If you have something that is important to you then you need to vote for the representative that will allocate money to the projects you think are important. Whether it’s a female or male candidates get on their website and read about them.”

Travis told the girls that education is important and decide from there which candidate reflects their special interests.

“These young women have the opportunity to be involved in their communities,” she said. Whether to be on a ballot themselves or through voting.”

Whether it’s about lowering taxes, the environment or even a new dog shelter, Travis hopes the girls left the talk inspired to learn about politics and to get involved in their community at whatever level they desire.

“It’s really not fair for someone to complain about how the community is working or not if you don’t go and vote,” she said. “Our votes really do matter.”

While the girls walked away learning about the voting process and what makes a good president, Travis learned a lesson as well.

“These girls are so smart and motivated,” she said. “They retain so much information and are just special little sponges soaking it all up. I learned just how much kids listen to us and the importance of sending out good and helpful messages.”