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The Woman Who Voted

United States v. Anthony (1873)

Charge: Knowingly voting without a lawful right in a congressional electionCourt: U.S. Circuit Court, Northern District of New YorkState: New YorkDocket: Trial of the Century

The facts

A woman cast a ballot in an election for members of Congress. State law then allowed only men to vote. She was charged with knowingly voting without a lawful right. She had every other qualification to vote. She argues that a recent amendment to the federal Constitution protects the rights of citizens, including her right to vote. She also says she honestly believed she was entitled to vote. The disputed point: does an honest belief in her right excuse her?

You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.

Citation: United States v. Anthony, 24 F. Cas. 829 (C.C.N.D.N.Y. 1873) (No. 14,459)

Read more at law.resource.org. The source reveals the outcome.

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