The WCTU sent a deputation to Member of Parliament and former Premier Sir Julius Vogel asking him to introduce a suffrage bill to parliament.[31] He did so in 1887, with the Female Suffrage Bill, and Sheppard campaigned for its support.[30] In its third reading, the part dealing with women's suffrage was defeated by one vote, and the bill was withdrawn.[32][33][34] During the general election campaign later that year Sheppard encouraged WCTU members to ask parliamentary candidates questions about suffrage, but few women did so.[35]