Let’s face it: Utah is not a player in the 2024 presidential election. The number of electoral votes that it brings to the table — just 6 — is minimal.

I suggest, however, that Utah has the opportunity to loom large this November by casting its votes in favor of the nation’s first woman president. Why? Consider Utah’s history.

My Utah license plate reads “First to Vote, Utah Women 1870.” Sure, Wyoming recognized women’s right to vote earlier, but it was Utah women who cast the first ballots. Seraph Young, a young school teacher, holds the honor of casting the first vote by a woman in the nation on Feb. 14, 1870.

I must admit that when I moved to Utah in 1982, I was unaware of the significant feminist movement of 19th century Utah. It was through conducting research at the historical department at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and reading scholars such as Leonard Arrington for a book on early Utah schoolteachers that my eyes were opened to the tremendous impact and power of these early women.

One schoolteacher from Smithfield, Louisa Lula Greene Richards, was the first editor of The Woman’s Exponent, a newspaper dedicated to “The Rights of the Women of Zion, The Rights of the Women of All Nations” — initiated with the approval of Brigham Young. He preached in 1869, “We believe that women are useful, not only to sweep houses, wash dishes, make beds and raise babies, but they should stand behind the counter, study law or physics … and all this to enlarge their sphere of usefulness for the benefit of society at large.” He also advocated for women to become physicians.

Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon (1837-1932) took that advice, receiving her medical degree in 1880. Having worked at The Woman’s Exponent, she was also an ardent supporter of suffrage. Utah women lost their right to vote in 1887 but regained it in 1895 when vocal women such as Dr. Cannon advocated for politicians to make women’s suffrage part of the new state Constitution. When Utah achieved statehood, Dr. Cannon was the first to register to vote. She then ran as a Democrat for one of five state senate positions and won, even though one of the other candidates was her husband. Thus, she was the first woman elected to a state senate — another notable first for Utah.

During the run-up to the 2020 celebration of voting rights that included Utah’s 1870 landmark suffrage decision, the 19th Amendment of 1920 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, I was privileged to lead with my colleague Sydney Peterson, Utah State University’s Year of the Woman celebration. Our goal was to tell the stories of Aggie Women, often unknown, who served as pioneers from the institution’s earliest days to pave the way for future leaders. Sarah Walker Eddy delivered a rousing speech on “Higher Education and Women” at the dedication of the Utah Agricultural College in 1890. When classes began, Miss Vendla Berntson registered as the first student.

The first African-American woman to graduate from a Utah college, Mignon Barker Richmond was a member of the Empyrean Club, a group of college women devoted to discussing current issues and problems. She went on to a distinguished career as an educator, civic leader and humanitarian.

Unfortunately, the perception of Utah outside the state is not about its early history of enfranchising women rightfully, nor about its status as electing the first woman senator. Too many people get their vision of Utah from media, various “wives” shows that hardly reflect reality. But data do not lie: Utah is routinely labeled as the worst state for women because of the few numbers of women leaders in politics and business and the widest wage gap.

On the upside, Dr. Susan Madsen, founder of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, leads a statewide social change movement titled “A Bolder Way Forward.”

How difficult will it be to change outsiders’ perspective of the Beehive State? This presidential election offers a unique opportunity. If Utahns, after researching the issues, choose to vote for the first female president — believe me — it will be major news.

I call on my fellow citizens and leaders at the highest ranks to weigh carefully the candidates for their character, compassion and integrity. Gov. Spencer Cox should reflect on an endorsement offered before the race was transformed with a different candidate, particularly after being made unwittingly complicit in the politicizing of the sacred space that is Arlington National Cemetery.

I was a beneficiary of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1971, that lowered the voting age to 18. I’ve not missed an election since. Engaging in the political process in an informed and civil manner is our right and responsibility.

Joyce Kinkead is distinguished professor emeritus at Utah State University, the 2013 Carnegie Professor for Utah and author or editor of over a dozen books, including “A Schoolmarm All My Life: Personal Narratives from Frontier Utah.”

The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.

Everyone knows the NBA is a grind mentally and physically. But what differentiates the good from the best is their work in the offseason. The amount of time you put in when the cameras aren’t on and when nobody is watching. That’s what shows the true hunger for greatness. It’s one thing to make it to the league, but it’s a whole different battle to stay. For this young Utah Jazz team, it looks like they all want to stay because man have they been putting in work this offseason.

Body Builder Hendricks

Taylor Hendricks should be on everyone’s bingo card for a breakout season. After a rough rookie year heavily due to injury, this man has been busy. The former 9th overall pick has been destroying the gym during the offseason, and according to Coach Hardy gained around 20 pounds. During his media availability, Hendricks spoke about how much he focused on his body and how he needed it for the plans Will and the coaching staff have for him this season. He explained how he feels stronger but doesn’t feel like he ever lost any of his speed. Towards the end of last season, we were able to see glimpses of what Hendricks could become. So this season I will be extremely curious about how he uses this added size and strength to his advantage as well as what his role will be this upcoming season.

Lean Clean Sensabaugh

Brice Sensabaugh is another name to get excited for this season. In his media availability, he spoke a lot about how he’s been getting into the weight room and getting more into shape to be able to play a whole NBA season. He spoke about the improvements in his upper and lower body and losing some extra fat that got him more in shape. As a player who wasn’t afraid to drive into the paint last season, it’ll be interesting to watch what he does differently and how he implements the strength and explosiveness he’s gained. Brice also spoke about his improved playmaking ability and how his defense has improved. He talked about how he got faster and became more able to hold his ground on defense.

The great thing about having such a young team is that they’re hungry. They want to win and they know that if they want to become great in this league having a conditioned and healthy body should be very high on the list. From what we have seen in the past few seasons everyone has been motivated and nobody has been shying away from the grind. We saw it with Lauri, Walker, and Cody Williams made a big jump this offseason. It’s a long and painful season but this team looks built and ready.

The 21-year-old victim, Brooklyn Barrett, was remembered by loved ones as a “vibrant and promising young woman”

A Utah woman accused of murdering her friend in a botched suicide pact earlier this year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter, authorities confirmed.

Heavenly Faith Garfield pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a second-degree felony, on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and will be sentenced on Nov. 6, Timothy L. Taylor, Deputy Utah County Attorney, said in an emailed statement to PEOPLE on Friday, Sept. 27. She faces up to 15 years in prison, per the statement.

Garfield was arrested in April and charged with murder and felony discharge of a firearm after the shooting death of her 21-year-old friend, who was identified by family on a GoFundMe campaign and obituary as Brooklyn Michelle Barrett.

21-Year-Old Utah Woman Arrested on Murder Charge After Shooting Friend Dead amid Suicide Pact

On April 30, Garfield’s father called 911 to report the shooting, in which authorities said his daughter shot the victim in a Saratoga Springs, Utah, home, per an affidavit of probable cause cited by KUTV, the Associated Press and CBS News.

Officers who responded to the scene said the victim had a gunshot wound to the head and that her body had been covered with a blanket and there were flowers on a bed, Court TV reported.

“Investigators determined that Garfield and [her] friend had entered into a suicide pact and Garfield admitted to shooting [her] friend in the head,” Taylor said in the statement to PEOPLE. “After shooting [her] friend, Garfield did not go through with the suicide pact.”

According to the affidavit, the friends had reportedly been discussing the suicide pact for several weeks, family members said, the AP reported. The affidavit states a friend of the victim showed police text messages in which she said she wanted to die, but was too scared to kill herself. The friend also confirmed Garfield’s suicide pact with the victim to police, per the AP.

As part of her plea, Taylor said Garfield admitted to the following facts: “On or about April 30, 2024, in Utah County, Utah, I knew [friend] intended to end her life by suicide and I aided [friend] to commit suicide.”

Barrett was remembered on the GoFundMe campaign created to support her parents in the wake of her death as a “vibrant and promising young woman.”

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

“Her unexpected departure has left her loved ones grappling with the immense pain and burden, preferring to focus on honoring her memory and celebrating the beautiful life she lived,” the fundraiser continued.

According to her obituary, Barrett was a 2021 graduate of Herriman High School and worked at a daycare prior to her death. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time outdoors, the obituary states.

Taylor said the victim’s family “supported the resolution.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.