Early voting in New York State started yesterday. This year's general election is on November 3, and early voting runs from October 24 to November 1.

When you vote, you receive that small "I Voted" sticker, right? Usually, people stick it on their clothes and throw it away by the evening, but in this area, there's a special place for those stickers.

It's the gravestone of Susan B. Anthony at Mount Hope Cemetery. On election day, this modest headstone gets completely covered with stickers.

When I first saw that photo, I honestly found it a bit strange. I thought Americans were quite unique for sticking things on graves.

However, once I learned the story behind it, my perspective completely changed. This is not just a joke; it's a significant gesture.

Anthony voted in the presidential election of 1872 in Rochester. The argument was that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizens' rights, so women should be able to vote too.

At that time, 14 other women in the same district also registered and voted. After arguing with election officials about the constitutional provision, they managed to get registered.

The result was arrest. On November 18 of that year, a federal marshal came to her home and took her away on charges of illegal voting.

The trial took place in June 1873. The jury was made up entirely of 12 men, and Judge Ward Hunt reportedly instructed the jury to deliver a guilty verdict.

To be found guilty without any discussion seems absurd by today's standards. The verdict was a fine of $100 and court costs.

Here's the most impressive part: Anthony never paid that fine, not even a penny.

It's said that the judge didn't send her to jail for not paying the fine because if she were imprisoned, she would have had the opportunity to appeal to a higher court, which many interpret as a way to avoid that.

Anthony passed away on March 13, 1906. The 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women's suffrage, was ratified 14 years later in 1920.

So, she fought her whole life for the right to vote but never saw the day when she could legally cast her ballot. That part really tugs at the heartstrings.

The sticker story continues here. During the 2016 presidential election, thousands visited her grave to place stickers, bringing significant attention to the tradition.

By the 2018 midterm elections, it had become a full-fledged tradition. As people began to line up for hours, the city extended the cemetery's opening hours until 9 PM.

With the crowds, there were concerns that the old gravestone could be damaged by the sticker adhesive.

At one point, a separate board was set up next to the gravestone for stickers, and in 2020, a clear plexiglass cover was placed over the gravestone. This way, they found a method to protect the stone while preserving the tradition.

Stickers placed on the cover will be much easier to clean up later. It's much more practical to solve the issue with a clear board than to spend money restoring the gravestone.

I really appreciate this aspect. Instead of outright banning it, they found a realistic compromise that seems sensible.

2020 was even more special as it marked the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Many parents brought their children along to the site.

In fact, Mount Hope Cemetery itself has a rich history. It is known as the first municipal Victorian cemetery in the U.S., opened in 1838.

The cemetery was established due to a cholera outbreak in the early 1830s. There was an urgent need for burial space due to the sudden increase in deaths.

Frederick Douglass is also buried here. So, the graves of Anthony and Douglass are considered the two most visited sites in this cemetery.

The cemetery features hills and pathways, making it a pleasant place for a stroll. There's no admission fee, so it's easy to drop by without any burden.

I like that this tradition is not tied to political leanings. It doesn't matter who you voted for; it's simply a greeting based on the fact that you voted.

In a time when discussions about elections can become heated, I think this scene is quite rare. Whether progressive or conservative, that sticker looks the same.

However, I haven't yet confirmed any official announcements regarding the cemetery's operating hours or the installation of the cover for this year. If you plan to go, it's best to check the City of Rochester or cemetery guidelines in advance.

If you are a citizen, make sure to check the early voting locations as well. You can vote at any early voting site within the county, making it easier to plan your route.

It's fascinating that a free sticker received at the polling place serves as a response to a $100 fine from 150 years ago. This year, I plan to take my sticker with me up that hill instead of throwing it away after voting.