Susan Goodier and Karen Pastorello, "Women Will Vote: Winning Suffrage in New York State" (Cornell UP, 2017)

In this episode of New Books in Law, host Mariam Oluvodi interviews Dr. Susan Goodier and Karen Pastorello, co-authors of 'Women Will Vote: Winning Suffrage in New York State' (Cornell UP, 2017). The conversation traces the decades-long struggle for women's suffrage in New York State from 1846 to 1920, highlighting how the movement evolved from grassroots activism rooted in abolitionism and women's economic disenfranchisement to a sophisticated, multi-faceted campaign. The authors emphasize the critical role of diverse coalitions—rural women, immigrant women, African American activists, working-class organizers, and even male allies in the Men's League for Women's Suffrage—in achieving victory. Strategies ranged from door-to-door canvassing and suffrage parades to innovative uses of media and public relations, reflecting the movement’s adaptability and growing sophistication. The episode also explores how World War I ultimately helped shift public opinion, as women’s contributions to the war effort were leveraged to justify their enfranchisement. The authors stress that suffrage was not just a legal victory but a transformative social movement that empowered women politically, economically, and personally. Key takeaways include the importance of concurrent activism across diverse groups, the strategic use of public visibility and media, the role of men as allies and amplifiers, and the ongoing vulnerability of voting rights. The authors reflect on the legacy of the movement, warning that rights are not permanent and must be actively defended. The episode underscores that the suffrage movement was a foundational moment in American democracy, demonstrating how sustained, inclusive, and creative organizing can achieve monumental change. The book serves not only as a historical record but as a resource guide for future research into local suffrage histories.