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Jennings Randolph
Jennings Randolph was the first ever politician to propose dropping the voting age to 18. Coming out of West Virginia he advocated for the amendment to be passed all the way up until 1971. This stance opened the eyes of some Americans over the topic of voting. -
Georgia Lowers Voting Age
In 1943, Georgia became the first state to allow voting publicly to 18-year-olds. They did not allow for Federal voting elections as they had yet to be authorized. Georgia sparked many other states to follow in their footsteps. -
“Old Enough to Fight, Old Enough to Vote”
Near the start of 1943, a revelation aroused as people believed the younger generation deserved their right to vote. As a result, people believed that if they were being drafted at the age of 18, why can’t a person vote by the age of 18? This was due to the age of men being drafted in WWII. The quote was sparked up again after the Vietnam War's controversy was at its peak. -
Eisenhower Speaks Out
Eisenhower became the first president to speak out on this topic in 1954 in a public address. He said in a quote,” 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 fateful summons.” His statement added fuel to the conversation over whether 18-year-olds should vote or not. -
Draft Lottery
On December 1, 1969, the first draft lottery was held since WWII. A random lottery system was inforced that gave men barely out of high school a number, this number would dictate whether or not they would have to travel overseas. The lottery system was controversial, as many believed these boys being drafted were too young. The question asked was, "If they are 18 and being sent to war, why can't they vote?" -
Oregon v. Mitchell
The case of Oregon v. Mitchell was over the controversial topic of whether the voting age should be changed federally instead of having it be local and state. It stated that the Voting Rights Act encroached on states' rights that were stated in the constitution. The states that sued ended up winning the court case over Mitchell. -
26th Amendment
On March 10, 1972, the 26th Amendment was unanimously voted upon for it to be ratified. The 26th Amendment had the shortest timeframe for it to get passed as after three-fourths of state legislatures voted it was instituted on July 1, 1972. America took kindly to this Amendment, as very little controversy arose. -
1972 Presidential Election
On November 7, 1972, Richard Nixon was reelected as president, this being the first-ever election 18-year-olds could vote in. As a result, 48 percent of voters between the ages of 24 to 18 were captured by Nixon. This was a monumental election for the youth of America, allowing them to have a voice at a younger age. -
Vietnam War Ends
On April 30, 1975, the war that caused protests and controversy finally came to an end. The Vietnam War sparked a lot of talk throughout the fighting, one of these conversations was to allow 18-year-olds to vote. Though it might have been minor in the war effort, the 26th Amendment was influenced by the impact the war had on society. -
2020 Presidential Election
As the years have passed the 26th Amendment has helped young Americans feel a sense of pride in being able to vote. It's caused more talk, social media conversation, and new ways politics are being thought about. The 2020 Presidential Vote between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, caused the most votes cast in over a century. The younger generation was a great contributor to this voting accomplishment.
