Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution

The Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution lowered the voting age in the United States from 21 to 18 years, marking a significant change in the demographic of the electorate. Ratified on July 1, 1971, this amendment extended the right to vote in both state and federal elections to millions of young Americans, a change largely influenced by the circumstances of the time, particularly the Vietnam War.

Background

The movement to lower the voting age began during World War II, with the argument that if young Americans were old enough to fight and die for their country, they should also be granted the right to vote. This argument gained further momentum during the Vietnam War, as the draft age was 18, yet those being drafted were unable to vote for or against the leaders sending them to war. The slogan "Old enough to fight, old enough to vote" became a rallying cry for proponents of lowering the voting age.

Ratification Process

The push for a lower voting age gained political support in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Congress passed the Twenty-sixth Amendment in March 1971, and it was ratified by the necessary three-fourths of the states in a record time of just over three months, reflecting the widespread support for this change.

Content

The key provision of the Twenty-sixth Amendment is succinct, stating: "The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."

Impact

The ratification of the Twenty-sixth Amendment had an immediate and profound impact on American politics and society. It enfranchised millions of young Americans, making them a significant demographic in future elections. The amendment has been credited with increasing political engagement and activism among young people, although voter turnout among this age group has historically been lower than that of older demographics.

Contemporary Relevance

The Twenty-sixth Amendment remains a vital part of the American electoral landscape, ensuring that young adults have a voice in the democratic process. It continues to be a point of reference in discussions about voting rights and electoral reform, particularly in debates over whether to lower the voting age even further, such as for local elections or to 16 years of age.