26th Amendment

U.S. Draft & Voting

1942

During this time, Representative Victor Wickersham, a Democrat from Oklahoma, proposed for an amendment for 18-year-old voting rights, which was the same day the house voted to lower the minimum draft age from twenty to eighteen.

Georgia for 18-year-old voting rights

1943

Georgia voted to establish eighteen-year-old voting in their state constitution in 1943. Any state or local election allowed 18 year olds to vote.

Eishenhower State of the Union Address

1954

At the State of the Union Address, newly elected President Dwight D. Eisenhower expressed his support in his 1954 State of the Union address: “For years our citizens between the ages of 18 and 21 have, in time of peril, been summoned to fight for America. They should participate in the political process that produces this fateful summons. I urge Congress to propose to the States a constitutional amendment permitting citizens to vote when they reach the age of 18.”

President Johnson's Draft Increase Order

Jul 28, 1965

Johnson ordered the number of ground forces to increase to 125,000. He also doubled the number drafted into the military per month from 17,000 to 35,000.

Eve of Destruction #1 on Billboard

Sep 25, 1965

Barry McGuire's song after Americans and drafted soldiers were furious about the increased draft. This song had a message they liked, that stated "You're old enough to kill but not for votin'. "

Statute over Amendment

1970

In 1970, two senators by the names of Edward Kennedy and Mike Mansfield tried to lower the voting age by statute(law) instead of by a constitutional amendment.

Oregon V. Mitchell

Dec 10, 1970

A case was brought to the Supreme Court about a law that Congress had gotten signed by President Nixon. They tried to lower the age for all national, state, and local elections. It was deemed they could pass a law for all national elections, but not for any state or local elections.

Senate Approval of the 26th Amendment

Mar 10, 1971

The Senate unanimously approved the amendment to be added to the constitution.

House Approval of the 26th Amendment

Mar 23, 1971

After Speaker of the House, Carl Albert (Oklahoma), endorsed the amendment, the house voted in favor of the amendment 401 to 19.

Ratification of 26th Amendment

Jul 1, 1971

The ratification of this amendment happened quickly in less than two months. The last two states to ratify the amendment were the states of Ohio and North Carolina.

1972 Election

1972

The 1972 Election brought the highest amount (55%) of 18-29 year-old voters to the polls in American history. The 26th Amendment allowed nearly 11 million Americans to vote at 18.