The celebration comes a day after delegates from across the state wrapped up the biennial convention, held this year at Champaign's Holiday Inn. CHAMPAIGN — The League of Women Voters of Illinois had something to celebrate at its Champaign convention Sunday — and a state to be proud of. It's been a century to the day since Illinois became the first state to ratify the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote, noted outgoing Champaign chapter President Holly Wilper. read more