Missouri State Archives & Charter Media team up
Moments in Missouri Political History Video Segments

Segment

One hundred and forty years after the creation of the United States of America, Marie Ruoff Byrum became the first woman to cast a vote in the state of Missouri. She was 26 years old. The first election held in Missouri after the 19th Amendment allowed women’s suffrage was a special election to fill a vacancy on the Hannibal city council. Her role in Missouri history was no accident. On August 31st, 1920, Marie Byrum walked 15 blocks to the poll in a drizzling rain. She and her husband, Hannibal city clerk Morris Byrum, were met by her father-in-law Lacey Byrum who was serving that day as a democratic party election judge. His suggestion, that she be the first woman at the polls now ensures her place in Missouri history.