League of Women Voters presents 'Conversations along the Canal'

A day to honor Voting Rights Act

League of Women Voters of Buffalo-Niagara press release

The League of Women Voters of Buffalo-Niagara, Buffalo United Coalition and Main Street Movement invites people to join in from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Gateway Harbor Pavilion located at One Young Street in Tonawanda for “Conversations along the Canal” and a visible demonstration of the power of community defending democracy. The statewide day of civic action will honor the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It is inspired by the power of communities coming together to protect and strengthen democracy.

The New York State canal system shaped the early struggle for voting rights by acting as a geographic and cultural conduit for the suffrage movement. The Erie Canal served as an engine for the women's suffrage movement by transporting activists, printing pamphlets, and spreading reform ideas. Suffrage and abolitionist ideas flourished throughout the canal corridor, with towns stretching from Albany to Buffalo acting as hubs of activism. Its corridor, including towpaths and packet boats, was vital for organizing rallies, such as the historic 1848 Seneca Falls Convention. Suffragists utilized canal boats to traverse upstate New York, often hanging "Votes for Women" pennants from packet boats while traveling from town to town to give speeches. Harriot Stanton Blatch, Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s daughter, famously led a canal boat campaign in 1908 to hold rallies and build grassroots support.

Join us as we come together along those same waterways to celebrate one of our nation's most significant civil rights achievements and reaffirm our shared commitment to democracy. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 expanded access to the ballot, but its legacy depends on each generation choosing to participate.

The most powerful tool we have is our right to vote. Being an informed voter means engaging in conversations with a neighbor, friend, coworker or family member and inspiring someone to register, volunteer, or cast their ballot to keep voting rights strong.