Jeni VanOrnum | Real Estate Insights & Education

Every election day, we’re reminded how powerful it is to have a voice in our communities. And here in Colorado, we have a remarkable piece of history. In 1893, Colorado became the first state where voters approved women’s suffrage by popular referendum. That was 27 years before the 19th Amendment in 1920. What’s less talked about is how property rights evolved on a different track. For much of American history, married women faced serious limits on owning or controlling property. Colorado actually began expanding married women’s property rights back in 1861, which matters because owning property and controlling income are foundations of financial independence. As a Colorado real estate broker since 1997, I’ve learned that buying a home is rarely just about the house. It’s about independence, stability, and creating opportunity for the next generation. Those opportunities are connected to rights that earlier generations worked hard to expand, even when progress was uneven and incomplete. It’s also true that the 19th Amendment didn’t erase every barrier. Many women of color still faced discrimination for decades, and economic equality didn’t arrive automatically with legal change. Progress has come through generations of people pushing forward. What I hope you’ll remember today is simple. The decisions made by our elected leaders shape the places we live —from property taxes and infrastructure to schools, housing, and neighborhood services. Whether you already own a home or hope to someday, your voice matters. So today, take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come, honor those who opened doors, and make your voice heard. Happy Election Day, Jeni VO, Colorado Real Estate Broker, Educator, Mentor.