Sheppard had no time to rest, however, as the 1893 election was only ten weeks away, and the newspapers were spreading rumours that an early election might be called to reduce the number of women enrolled. Along with the Temperance Union, she was highly active in encouraging women to register as voters.[60] One of her largest detractors was the liquor industry, which feared for its continued business.[59] Despite the short notice, 88 percent of women had enrolled to vote by election date,[61] and nearly 70 percent ended up casting a vote.[62] Although women had gained the vote they were not eligible to stand in parliamentary elections until 1919, and it wasn't until 1933 that the first woman was elected to parliament.[63]