There is a rich political history in Scott County, Iowa, as evidenced by these items here in the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center. As the 2016 election season winds to a close, take a brief journey with us through some past highlights, such as the activities of the League of Women Voters in the area:
(1)
In 1905, Joe R. Lane’s name was submitted for consideration as the first nominee for gubernatorial candidate from Scott County, Iowa by the Times. Mr. Lane had not sought the position, nor was he consulted prior to the announcement. Other papers, such as the Bellevue Leader and the Maquoketa Record weighed in immediately:
(2)
Candidates for local offices in the early 1900’s can be found in the RSSCC Ephemera Collection: John E. Fleming threw his hat into the ring for Probate Clerk in 1912, and Otto Smallfield sought election as Davenport’s Alderman at Large.
Labor union members have been actively involved in the area’s political scene for years. (3)
It appears most everything has been “cussed-and-discussed” in elections! (4)
Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8th. The Scott County Auditor’s Office website (http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor/election-central) has great links to ballots, polling places, and other information about the 2016 election.
Get inspired to vote from these women, first permitted to exercise their right at Iowa polling places in the year 1920! (5)
posted by Karen
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(1) Davenport Daily Times Thursday, May 22, 1952, p. G-1 in League of Women Voters 1950’s Scrapbook, Acc. #2006-15.
(2) Images from the Bellevue Leader (Bellevue, IA) and the Maquoketa Record (Maquoketa, IA). Political Scrapbook, Acc. #X-04.
(3) Items belonging to Henry Schrage from the RSSCC Ephemera Collection, Biography folders.
(4) League of Women Voters 1950’s Scrapbook, Acc. #2006-15.
(5) Davenport Daily Times Monday, October 30, 1950, p. G-1 in League of Women Voters 1950’s Scrapbook, Acc. #2006-15.
