Doris “Granny D” Haddock nee Rollins, was born in Laconia, New Hampshire on January 24, 1910 and became nationally known for her political activism. She became quite vocal in her efforts to bring awareness for campaign finance reform, eventually taking that activism to the streets.
On January 1, 1999, Granny D began her walk in Pasadena, California with the goal of walking across the country to raise support and awareness for campaign finance reform. She was 88 years old.
It took Granny D roughly fourteen months, walking about ten miles each day, to accomplish her goal, giving speeches along the way. She had walked more than 3,200 miles advocating for campaign finance reform all the way. On February 29, 2000, now 90 years old, Granny D arrived in Washington, D.C to cheers from a crowd of over 2,000 people.
Nearly two months later, on April 21, 2000, she and 31 other people were arrested during a peaceful assembly at the Capitol. They were arrested while reading the Declaration of Independence and charged with demonstrating in the Capitol building.
Granny D pled guilty, claimed campaign finance reform as the reason for the demonstration and made the following statement to the judge; “Your Honor, the old woman who stands before you was arrested for reading the Declaration of Independence in America's Capitol Building. I did not raise my voice to do so and I blocked no hall. I was reading from the Declaration of Independence to make the point that we must declare our independence from the corrupting bonds of big money in our election campaigns. In my 90 years, this is the first time I have been arrested. I risk my good name --for I do indeed care what my neighbors think about me. But, Your Honor, some of us do not have much power, except to put our bodies in the way of an injustice--to picket, to walk, or to just stand in the way. It will not change the world overnight, but it is all we can do. Your Honor, to the business at hand: the old woman who stands before you was arrested for reading the Declaration of Independence in America's Capitol Building. I did not raise my voice to do so and I blocked no hall. But if it is a crime to read the Declaration of Independence in our great hall, then I am guilty.”
Granny D and the other demonstrators were sentenced to time served and a $10 administrative fee.
Doris “Granny D” Haddock passed away on March 9, 2010 in Dublin, New Hampshire. She was 100 years old and is a New Hampshire treasure.
On Tues., January 24, Granny D’s birthday, the “Voter Owned Election” bill, HB324 is scheduled for a hearing. This legislation will help to ensure every vote is counted and everyone has the opportunity to participate.
You can let the committee know that you support this bill by CLICKING HERE:
- fill in your name, town, state and e-mail
- select the date, Jan. 24
- select the House Election Law Committee
- Select the bills --HB 324
- indicate who you represent (self) and that you SUPPORT the bill!
- (optional-- you can include a written statement in support).
- [To be official, this must be done by 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 24th!]
Voter-Owned Elections One-Pager HERE.
I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Granny D at my daughter’s 2001 graduation from Franklin Pierce College (now University) where she was the main speaker. She was wearing her trademark hat!