Suffrage Creed attributed to Ida Clyde Clarke. Clarke was an
author and was on the editorial staff of the Nashville
Tennessean and the Nashville Banner. I believe that it is my
inherent right to express my opinion directly and effectively
through the ballot. I believe that it is not only my right, but
my duty to use my influence for the betterment of the world in
which I live, and that my influence depends upon my personality
and the opportunity to express my character -- an opportunity
that the ballot will give me. I believe that suffrage is the
quietest, easiest, most dignified and least conspicuous way of
exerting my influence in political affairs. I belive it is right
and fair that those who must obey the laws should have a voice
in making them and that those who must pay taxes should have a
vote as to the size of the tax and the way in which it should be
spent. I believe that it is just that those who are governed
should have a voice in the government, and I accept the doctrine
that the government must d