From collection Candidates
Elizabeth Irwin ran for the School Board in Pleasant Plains, Sangamon County, Illinois in 1894. She was defeated by two votes by her male opponent. Women received the school vote in Illinois in 1892 and the Illinois State Journal reported that Irwin had supported on local women voters. The race was highly contested and the Journal reported: :There was (no) question as to the qualifications of the lady candidate. It was for or against women holding office. Considerable bad blood was stirred up in consequence."
