Before women could vote, many argued they were too emotional or that their role was only in the home. Opponents claimed women did not need to vote as their husbands could influence elections. Some MPs argued women would wear large hats that obstructed views or were too impressionable. However, many women wanted equal treatment and believed voting would help them gain more control over their lives and influence policies around issues like poverty they faced. Support for women's suffrage grew as more saw voting as a way to participate in class-based politics.