Colorado became the first state in which women obtained the right to vote through popular election in 1893.[3] The following year, on November 6, 1894, three women were elected to serve in the Colorado House of Representatives. Besides Holly, they included Clara Cressingham and Frances S. Klock.[4] All three were Republicans and were sworn into office in 1895. Each served one term, from 1895 to 1896.
Carrie Holly introduced a total of fourteen bills. One became law: a bill that aimed to increase the Age of Consent for girls to 21. The outcome was a compromise: the Age of Consent was increased to 18. Carrie Holly published a detailed account of the legislative process.[5]
She did not run for re-election after her first term, although she maintained an active interest in politcs and public affairs and was admitted to the bar in 1896.[1]
She was married to the associate justice of the Colorado Territorial Supreme Court Charles Frederick Holly.
