2018: Vote 100

2018 was the centenary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act.

The Act was the first step towards women gaining the right to vote, and saw 8.5 million women eligible to vote in the 1918 General Election.

The Act gave the vote to women over 30 who met a property qualification, and gave the vote to all men over the age of 21.

It was not until ten years later that the 1928 Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act afforded all men and women the right to vote on the same terms.

A photograph of women holding 'Votes for Women' signs. Underneath, red text says "ASLEF is proud to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918. The first step towards giving women the right to vote with 8.5 million women eligible to vote in the 1918 General Election.

ASLEF’s women’s committee commemorated the centenary by sending every female member of ASLEF a special badge and post card.

A collage of images of women train drivers, next to the words 'ASLEF women proudly support Vote 100' and an ASLEF logo

The ASLEF Journal also featured articles to commemorate the centenary, including a piece by Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff Central and Chair of the ASLEF Parliamentary Group, on the legacy of the 1918 Act and our responsibilities in the twenty first century to use our vote and stand up for our rights. Click here to read the March 2018 Journal.

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