The 26th Amendment

State of the Union Address

Jan 7, 1954

President Eisenhower becomes first president to support lowering the voting age.

Vietnam War

Jan 1, 1961

This war made Congress and the State seriously consider changing the voting age

The Law is passed

Jun 22, 1970

President Nixon signs law saying that the new voting age will be 18 years old in all the states.

Oregon and Texas Challange

Dec 21, 1970

Oregon and Texas don't like the law so they try and get it changed by bringing it to court.

The Senate Votes

Mar 10, 1971

Everyone in the Senate(94-0) votes in favor of the voting age to be changed to 18 years old.

The House Votes

Mar 23, 1971

The House decides to vote for the Amendment because they want it to be passed.

Some States Ratify New Law

May 10, 1971

Connecticut, Delaware, Minnesota, Tennesee, and Washington all ratified the new law first

North Carolina Decides to Sign

Jul 1, 1971

North Carolina is the last state to ratify the new amendment.

The Amendment is made official

Jul 7, 1971

The Administrator of General Services decides to approve of the Law also.

States that Ratify After Adoption

Oct 4, 1971

Georgia, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Wyoming decide to ratify the amendment after it has already become official.

Election

Nov 7, 1972

First Election where 18 year olds were able to vote.