Before Colorado, two western states and territories had already granted women's suffrage, namely
Wyoming and
Utah. Influenced by the actions of female activists in those states, Colorado's own suffrage movement began to gain traction in the 1870s. Throughout the earlier half of the decade, many propositions urging legislators to grant suffrage were defeated. On January 10, 1876, suffrage advocates held a convention at the Unity Church in Denver, intending to influence the state's constitutional convention. The convention established the Territorial Women's Suffrage Society, which turned into the
Women's Suffrage Association of Colorado once Colorado was granted statehood. The Non-Partisan
Equal Suffrage Association was eventually backed by Governor
John Routt. A minority report was created and sent to the convention. Women were not granted the right to vote, but they were granted the right to vote in school elections and hold school offices. With the backing of John Routt, the women's suffrage movement gained traction. In 1877, male legislators decided to hold a referendum to determine the voting status of women. Although the movement gained the recognition of many popular suffrage advocates, such as
Susan B. Anthony, suffrage was defeated. Legislative efforts between 1877 and 1893 were sparse. In 1881, a bill for municipal suffrage was sent to Legislature and lost. However, during that time, many grassroots organizations still were still holding meetings and advocating for women's rights. In 1893, the Ninth General Assembly passed a motion to put the question of women's suffrage up for election. As a result, the Colorado Non-Partisan Equal Suffrage Association was integral to the 1893 referendum. It was a grassroots coalition of women's organizations, churches, political parties, charity groups, unions and farmers alliances. Having no members or money to their name, the organization toured around the state, rallying for support. Their campaign pivoted to directly address the women of Colorado: "Women of Colorado, do you know the opportunity that is before you this fall? Do you know that there is a possibility you may rise to legal equality with man?" one leaflet asked the state's women. "Awake from your indifference . . . The ballot is the greatest power and protection of this day and age." == 1893 Referendum ==