Eleanor Roosevelt may have felt "shy" and "awkward" as a child, according to her White House biography, but the former first lady is now among the most celebrated and popular women in American political history.
A Marist poll released Wednesday found that more than one in four Americans want to see Roosevelt's image on the redesigned $10 bill.
The representative poll recently surveyed 1,249 adults. Participants were asked to chose from six female candidates: Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, Sacagawea, Amelia Earhart, Susan B. Anthony and Sandra Day O'Connor.
Learn more about #thenew10 candidate with this biography and collection of Eleanor Roosevelt's writings: http://t.co/eiGMTzk8ut @GWtweets— Allison K. Lange (@aklange1) August 6, 2015
Tubman, a slave who escaped bondage and became an abolitionist, came in second with 17% of the votes. Sandra Day O'Connor, a former Supreme Court justice, garnered just 4% of support.
The Treasury Department says the woman selected will be recognized by the public as "a champion for democracy." She will also have "made a significant contribution to — or impact on — protecting the freedoms on which our nation was founded."
Public opinion will play an important role in the redesign. Treasury officials, including Secretary Jack Lew, are soliciting feedback online and at public events about which woman should become the new face of the $10 bill.
Wow! Powerful video from @AAUW Watch and RT http://t.co/vNufHQEGXq #TheNew10 #EqualPay— Barbara Lee (@BarbaraLeeSays) July 28, 2015
Alexander Hamilton currently appears on that currency, and will remain on it in some capacity when the new bill goes into circulation in 2020.
The redesign and search for an American female historical figure has itself been a source of controversy. Some, including Hillary Clinton, have criticized the fact that whichever woman chosen will still share the bill with Hamilton. Others have pointed out that putting a woman on American currency is a great reminder of the pay gap; research shows women make 78 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
Secretary Lew, who will make the final decision on the design, is expected to announce his selection later this year.