Shropshire Routes to Roots

Suffragettes in Shropshire: Suggested Suffragette Petition

Suggested Sufragette petition to Parliament [Shropshire Archive reference: DA2/134/10/2]

The humble Petition of the Local Board of

Sheweth:-
THAT your Petitioners have observed with satisfaction the introduction into your Honourable House of a Bill entitled "A BILL TO REMOVE THE ELECTORAL DISABILITIES OF WOMEN" and desire to recognise the importance of such a measure as affecting the political status and responsibilities of many thousands of their countrywomen.

That from time immemorial women ratepayers have had Electorial Rights equal and similar to thos of men in matters pertaining to Local Government and Expenditure. Women can vote in all parochial matters, can take part in vestry meetings called for various purposes, such as the election of churchwardens and waywardens, and levying of rates. They can vote in the election of Local Boards, Boards of Guardians, School Boards and Municipal Councils, and they can serve as Church Wardens, Overseers, and members of School Boards.

That a large amount of property within the boroughs and counties of the United Kingdom is owned by women who are now excluded from the Parliamentary Register. Your Petitioners believe that the exclusion of so large a body of ratepayers and owners of property from the Parliamentary Franchise is unjust, and is in opposition to the true principles of Popular Representation and pray that the "BILL TO REMOVE THE ELECTORAL DISABILITIES OF WOMEN" may receive the sanction of your Honourable House.

And your Petitioners will every pray.

[Shropshire Archives: DA2/134/10/2]