ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- There are few women alive today who remember the early 20th century and the time before females in America were allowed the right to vote. But, many have seen, throughout their lifetimes, the changes resulting from having a voice in the political process.
"It used to be expected that the woman stayed at home and took care of the kids," said Connie Brown, an Anniston Army Depot painter. "It wasn't until 12 years ago, when my husband got hurt, that I had to get a job."
Mary Turley has worked on the installation for more than seven years. She said she often feels as though she must work harder and know more than the men, in order to prove she is capable.
Sonya McNealey, a former Marine and Navy reservist, said she works to turn those feelings around.
"The men have to keep up with me," she said.
During her time in the military, McNealey saw women who truly had no rights. She served three tours of duty in Southwest Asia and watched women there relegated to a second-class way of life.
"Serving the Middle East, you see women who have no rights. They can't even go to the store and get something off the shelf," she said, adding that she has seen hope in recent years.
"They have seen so many of us women in uniform and it's good to see they are starting to fight for their own rights."
Each woman has learned, during her lifetime, to appreciate and respect the right to vote.
For Brown, it's important to know her vote goes to the candidate she feels shares her values.
"You get to choose what you believe in and what the person you are voting for believes in," she said.
For Turley, her vote truly is a symbol of equality.
"Voting means no matter what color you are -- whether you are a man or a woman -- you're all equal and have the same vote," she said. "Here, if you are ambitious enough, you can do anything."
For McNealey, voting is about having her voice heard.
"It's your voice that can be heard through someone else," she said.
Social Sharing