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Imagine a selection day 1872.

You take a deep breath as you walk into a cigar store near your home in Washington, DC.

You're a woman in your 40s and you want access to the vote for all Americans including women.

You've been going to suffrage meetings for a few years now, but you've never done anything like this.

Today, the cigar store is a polling place and you're here to cast a ballot for the first time in your life.

Half a dozen men are standing in line to vote. They shoot you confused looks as you step in to join them.

Morning, gentlemen.

You straighten your bonnet and throw your shoulders back, trying to shake off the feeling that you don't belong.

As your turn comes, you approach the official sitting behind a long table at the back of the room.

Hello. I'd like a ballot, please.

The poll worker raises his eyebrows and smirks.

You would like a ballot? Is this some kind of joke?

Not at all, sir. I have every right to vote in this election.

Says who? It's black men who can vote now.

I don't remember them giving the vote to black ladies.

The 14th Amendment states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.

The man gives you a bewildered stare, but you continue.

It also says that no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.

Look, I'm no lawyer. Now, why don't you get out of here so we can keep this line moving? You're holding everyone up.

I am a citizen of the United States, and the 14th Amendment protects my privileges as a citizen.

That includes voting. Now, I demand my ballot.

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