Empowered Women Rally for Hughes in Albany, 1916

On October 3, 1916, a group of women gathered at the Executive Mansion in Albany, New York, to support Charles Evans Hughes, the Republican candidate for president. This photograph, produced by the Bain News Service, names each campaigner from left to right, highlighting the active role women played in politics during this period. As the nation grappled with issues like womens suffrage and labor rights, these women not only advocated for Hughes but also represented a broader movement for social change.

The image captures a moment when womens voices began to shape the political landscape ahead of the 1916 election, a pivotal time leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. The enthusiasm and commitment of these campaigners reflect the important strides women were making in asserting their place in public life and influencing the democratic process.