How the Vote was Won Cicely Hamilton. The story of 'How the Vote was Won', written by Cicely Mary Hamilton (1872-1952) with 'sketches' by C. Hedley Charlton. Hamilton was co-founder of the Women Writers' Suffrage League, and Miss. Charlton, a member of the Artists' Suffrage League. In 1909, the story was adapted for the stage as a one-act play. Its first performance took place at the Royalty Theatre, London.