This November’s election is about more than Roe v. Wade, retired state Sen. Loretta Weinberg told a Women’s Equality Day rally in Morristown on Friday.
“Not only is women’s right to choose, but democracy is on the ballot this year,” Weinberg told a small but enthusiastic “get out the vote” gathering organized by Morris County Democratic Chair Amalia Duarte.
Weinberg, 87, of Bergen County, was a prime sponsor of the state law guaranteeing women’s reproductive rights. A champion of progressive causes, the Berkeley-educated former legislator praised New Jersey for supporting same-sex marriage and pay equality for women.
But the national scene has left her with a “how-do-I-keep-my-head-screwed-on-straight feeling,” as she watches the dismantling of “things that I thought we solved 50 years ago, that we marched for 50 years ago.”
Loretta Weinberg addresses Women’s Equality Day rally in Morristown. Video by Bill lescohier for MorristownGreen.com:
Women must speak out, said newly appointed Morris Township Committeewoman Donna Guariglia.
“We have always been the catalyst for change,” she asserted from the steps of Morristown town hall before several dozen people, some carrying signs declaring “We Will Not Go Back” and “Vote to Choose Love.”
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 1920 certification the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
Women have registered to vote at a higher rate than men in every presidential election since 1980, Guariglia said.
“We have cast more than 10 million more votes than men. Think about that. It’s pretty powerful,” she said.
Citing her leadership roles in the “old boys’ network” of sports — she has served with USA Hockey –she said persistence can change hearts and minds.
While women like the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg have provided inspiration, Guariglia said, equality still is far from a reality: Women earn only 83 cents for every man’s dollar, many states are making it harder for minorities to vote, the Equal Rights Amendment has not been added to the U.S. Constitution, and abortion rights are under siege across the country.
“I can’t believe in 2022 that I stand here with fewer rights than I’ve had in decades,” said Guariglia said, who will face a pro-Trump Republican, Sherry Nardolillo, in a November race to complete an unexpired term on Morris Township’s governing body.
Wearing a “See You in ROEvember” t-shirt, Morristown Councilwoman Sandi Mayer echoed the event’s theme:
“You have to go talk to friends, your neighbors, everybody needs to vote,” Mayer said, after reading a Women’s Equality Day proclamation from Mayor Tim Dougherty praising achievements of “heroic women.”
On a day when the Justice Department released a redacted affidavit with details that prompted its search for classified documents at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home, Weinberg called on women to stand against autocracy.
“It is women’s vote that has helped us to preserve what’s left of the democracy that we have in the United States. It’s women’s vote that put Joe Biden into the presidency,” Weinberg said.
“And now, as we watch an ex-president on the cusp of being accused of espionage, and a party that has stood by silently and enabled this man to carry this country to where we are today, it is women who will send a message to those enablers.
“We want our democracy back. We want our Supreme Court back. We want women’s voices to be heard.”
Correspondent Bill Lescohier contributed to this story.
Correction: An earlier version misstated the inscription on t-shirts, which were designed to raise funds for the Morris County Democratic Women’s Caucus. They read: “See you in ROEvember.”
As a long time former poll worker, I can suggest that JT check his facts. One year’s turnout does not reflect overall trends.
I continue to wonder why so many posters refuse to identify themselves.
It’s great when people make outlandish comments that go unchallenged, especially from reporters: A woman’s right to choose has already been ensured in NJ. It is not on the ballot for anyone who attended that rally. At the Federal level, the Democrats control the House, Senate and WH. They could codify Roe V Wade anytime they want. You have to wonder why they don’t? Ms. Guariglia should be challenged to elaborate on what specific rights have been taken away from her. Lastly, we had record voter turnout in the last Presidential election as well as many recent primaries. There are not fewer people voting.
I was proud to attend such a positive upbeat gathering celebrating women’s suffrage. The message was not simply for democrats but made the point that democracy relies on voters to decide what direction it will take. As the number of voters decline, decisions are left to often party supporters and their donors. Everyone has the right to vote and can register to vote without declaring a party. Stay informed and VOTE.
Stay on topic
Looks like Stuck is copying from his copy of the GOP’s “Big Book of Lies, Untruths, and Mythology”, a weighty tome which appeals to the lunatic fringe.
Democracy is on the ballet!!
Vote Democrat!!! Demand future mandatory mask and vaccine mandates or fire those who do not comply! Take away their jobs and their ability to provide for their families.
Vote Democrat!! Line your children up and march them masked into school to become indoctrinated with communist principles and mandatory sexual education on topics such as gender fluidity and anal sex at the ripe old age of 8 years old.
Vote Democrat!! Be at the mercy of the NJEA. When they get the sniffles again they will retreat back to their homes and demand virtual school all while they spend their summers in Lavallette drinking on the beach and going to restaurants! Teachers aren’t afraid of getting the sniffles on the beach or at a bar; just in their classrooms.
Vote Democrat!! This will ensure you continue to pay $1,500 a month in property taxes to live in such a heavenly state!