26th amendment

lowered draft age

Nov 11, 1939

In the midst of World War II, President FrankliIn the midst of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt lowers the military draft age from 21 to 18.

Congressman Jennings Randolph proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age to 18.

Feb 1, 1943

West Virginia Congressman Jennings Randolph proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age to 18. He argues that if a person is "old enough to fight," they should be "old enough to vote". However, this effort failed to gain traction at the time.

first state to have lowered voting age

Apr 11, 1943

Georgia becomes the first state to lower its voting age to 18 for state and local elections.

amendment approved

Mar 10, 1969

The Senate voted 94-0 to approve the amendment.

lowered voting age

Mar 21, 1971

push for lowering the voting age to 18 began during World War II but gained decisive momentum during the Vietnam War before its eventual ratification in 1971.

the house of representatives voted

Mar 23, 1971

The House of Representatives voted 401-19 in favor of the amendment.

ohio became the 38th state to ratify the amendment

May 30, 1971

ohio was the 38th state to join the state amendment.

ratification

Jul 1, 1971

The amendment was ratified by 38 states in just 100 days. The fastest ratification in U.S. history.