The New York State Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage (NYSAOWS) stands out as one of the most active and influential anti-suffrage organizations in the United States. Composed primarily of prominent women, this group dedicated itself to fighting against the cause of women's suffrage through various means, including public speaking, distributing literature, and publishing its own journal. Their activities and beliefs offer a detailed look into the arguments
and strategies employed by those who resisted the expansion of voting rights to women.
Formation and Organizational Structure
Established in April 1895, the organization was initially known as the New York State Association Opposed to the Extension of the Suffrage to Women. Its name was later changed between October and November of 1908 to the New York State Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage. The group attracted many "prominent" women from New York as members, indicating a significant level of social standing and influence within its ranks. To broaden its reach, NYSAOWS established several auxiliary organizations in different parts of the state, including key cities like Albany, Brooklyn, and Buffalo. Members contributed through dues, starting at $3 per person, which helped fund the organization's activities.
The association maintained a structured operation, with the president convening the executive committee annually, either in December or April. During these meetings, officers were elected, and reports on the previous year's activities were shared. These reports also included updates on women's suffrage efforts across the country, demonstrating a national awareness of the broader movement. For many years, the group met at the home of Mrs. George Phillips (Mary E. Phillips), but in October 1908, they opened a dedicated office in the Engineering Societies' Building, signifying a more formalized and public presence.
Core Beliefs and Public Engagement
At the heart of NYSAOWS's opposition was the belief that women's participation in politics would be "disruptive of everything pertaining to home life." Members felt strongly that women's essential roles as mothers and caregivers already constituted a vital service to society, and therefore, they were not obligated to provide "further service" as citizens through voting. They advocated for a clear division of labor, believing it was crucial for women to recognize the need for "a division of the world's work between men and women." In 1896, NYSAOWS estimated that only 10% of women actually desired the right to vote, suggesting they believed their stance represented the majority of women's sentiments.
To promote their views, NYSAOWS engaged in extensive public outreach. They published a quarterly journal, *The Anti-Suffragist*, from July 1908 through April 1912. Bertha Lane Scott, a key figure, drafted pamphlets, placed high-profile anti-suffrage letters in major newspapers like *The New York Times*, and conducted lecture tours to explain the organization's platform. She also outlined step-by-step plans for new auxiliaries and recruited influential society women to lead them. The group also sent petitions to the New York State Assembly, urging them not to grant suffrage to women, and drew large crowds at events where their leaders, such as president Alice Hill Chittenden, spoke.
Post-Suffrage Reorganization
Even after women in New York won the right to vote in 1917, NYSAOWS did not disband. Instead, it reorganized with a new mission: to work towards the repeal of women's suffrage in New York and to fight against a country-wide granting of women's suffrage. Following the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Brooklyn Auxiliary of NYSAOWS met to discuss strategies against the federal amendment. Ultimately, NYSAOWS decided to transition into a new entity, the Women Voters' Anti-Suffrage Party, continuing its opposition to women's enfranchisement in a new form.
