Susan B. Anthony
1820-1906
WomenÕs Rights Activist and Suffragist

Written and Performed by: Reghan Cutler
Setting:Ê Rochester, NY, 1872Ê

Susan B. Anthony approaches the election inspector to register to vote. 

Illegal? If anyone is doing anything illegal here it is you, as I am not receiving my Òequal protection of the laws.Ó I am not sure if you are aware, but the fourteenth amendment was ratified this past July. I have memorized it, so you donÕt have to worry about taking out your copy I am sure you have around here somewhere. ÒAll persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.Ó 
This amendment clearly declares that as a citizen of United States I am entitled to Liberty. I implore you, help me use my right of Liberty to make a change in this world. I am tired of seeing women with strong ideas pushed aside for men with no ideas. Our voices have been drowned out for years and we are more than ready to be heard. I have my identification with me to prove I am qualified to vote in this election. I have been waiting for this day my entire life and I will not be told by you or any-
(The election inspector tries to interrupt her)
I understand that I am Òjust a womanÓ and that my opinions mean nothing to you or any other man in this room, but they do matter.
(The man goes to interrupt again)
 I am not standing alone as a ÒRadical Thinker.Ó Have you asked your mother if she wants a vote? Or your wife? (Silence) Or your daughter? So, go ahead try and shut me up, but I will come back, I will come back with more women, women who believe in my opinions as strongly as I do. This time around I have Judge Seldon on my side who will represent me in the lawsuit I will take out against you if I am not treated the same as the men standing next to me. So, SirÉ Am I being registered? Or shall I notify the fifty women at our headquarters to start their march here?