Susan B. Anthony, a leading figure in the women's suffrage movement, cast her ballot in the presidential election in Rochester, New York, as a bold act of civil disobedience. Despite knowing that women were denied the legal right to vote, Anthony aimed to highlight the injustice of such laws. Engaged in a transformative struggle for women's rights, she and several other women registered and cast their votes at the local polling station, underlining their demand for equal participation in democracy. Shortly after voting, the authorities confronted Anthony, and she was arrested for violating the law. The incident received significant media attention, reflecting the growing tensions in American society regarding female suffrage during this era.

In a subsequent legal proceeding, Anthony was tried and found guilty of voting illegally. She refused to pay the $100 fine, arguing that she had a right to vote as a citizen of the United States. Anthony's defiance not only provoked public outrage but also rallied support for the women’s suffrage movement, bringing it into the national spotlight. Her actions energized the movement’s activities, leading to increased advocacy and organizing efforts aimed at changing legislation and societal attitudes regarding women’s rights.