In 1842 the Prophet Joseph Smith formed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ first women’s organization known today as the Relief Society, stating, “this is the beginning of better days.” That promise was fulfilled as Latter-Day Saint women continued to serve their community and advocated for the equal voting rights of women in Utah and the United States. Better Days 2020 is a non-profit dedicated to popularizing this history as the year 2020 marks a year of celebrations for voting rights — the 150th anniversary of Utah women being the first in the nation to vote, the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment generally granting women the vote, and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act protecting voting rights for women and men of all races. Better Days’ historical director Katherine Kitterman and historical research associate Rebekah Ryan Clark look at the privilege and duty of voting and share the story of the pioneering suffragettes who bravely blazed the path for the right to participate in elections.

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience.