- Connecticut: March 23, 1971.
- Delaware: March 23, 1971.
- Minnesota: March 23, 1971.
- Tennessee: March 23, 1971.
- Washington: March 23, 1971.
- Hawaii: March 24, 1971.
- Massachusetts: March 24, 1971.
- Montana: March 29, 1971.
Who ratified the 26th amendment?
The state legislatures in Ohio and North Carolina were the last to approve the amendment before official ratification took effect on July 1, 1971. With the 1972 elections looming, the Twenty-sixth Amendment was ratified in record time. The Richard M. Nixon administration certified it four days later on July 5.
Where was the 26th amendment ratified?
On July 5th, 1971, in a ceremony in the White House East Room, in front of the 500-member choral group Young Americans in Concert, President Richard Nixon signed the certified amendment along with three selected 18-year-olds signing as witnesses.
What is the 26th amendment and when was it ratified?
Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution Passed by Congress March 23, 1971, and ratified July 1, 1971, the 26th amendment granted the right to vote to American citizens aged eighteen or older.
What is the 26th amendment in simple terms?
Twenty-sixth Amendment, amendment (1971) to the Constitution of the United States that extended voting rights (suffrage) to citizens aged 18 years or older. Traditionally, the voting age in most states was 21, though in the 1950s Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower signaled his support for lowering it.
How many states ratified the 27th amendment?
Congress on May 20, 1992 voted by a unanimous vote of the Senate and by a vote of 414 to 3 in favor of “accepting” the Twenty-Seventh Amendment as having been validly approved. Forty-six out of fifty states ratified the Amendment, and no state that had once ratified the Amendment tried to “unratify” it.
When was the 26th amendment ratified quizlet?
Under the 26th amendment, 18- to 20-year-olds are eligible to vote for president and vice president, but not for state officials up for election at the same time. It was passed March 23, 1971, and ratified on July 01, 1971.
Why is the 26th Amendment significant?
Our Founders built that recognition into its original design, providing a mechanism to amend our Constitution as our Nation evolved. On July 1, 1971, our Nation ratified the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, lowering the voting age to 18.
When was the 26th amendment passed?
Amid increasing support for a Constitutional amendment, Congress passed the 26th Amendment in March 1971. The states promptly ratified it, and President Richard M. Nixon signed it into law that July.
How many states did Nixon win in 1972?
Though newly minted young voters were expected to choose Democratic challenger George McGovern, an opponent of the Vietnam War, Nixon was reelected by an overwhelming margin–winning 49 states–in 1972. Over the next decades, the legacy of the 26th Amendment was a mixed one: After a 55.4 percent turnout in 1972, youth turnout steadily declined, reaching 36 percent in the 1988 presidential election. Though the 1992 election of Bill Clinton saw a slight rebound, voting rates of 18- to 24-year-olds remained well behind the turnout of older voters, and many lamented that America’s young people were squandering their opportunities to enact change. The 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama saw a voter turnout of some 49 percent of 18- to 24 year-olds, the second highest in history.
What amendment lowered the voting age?
The 26 Amendment lowered the legal voting age in the United States from 21 to 18. The long debate over lowering the voting age began during World War II and intensified during the Vietnam War, when young men denied the right to vote were being conscripted to fight for their country. In the 1970 case Oregon v. Mitchell, a divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Congress had the right to regulate the minimum age in federal elections, but not at the state and local level. Amid increasing support for a Constitutional amendment, Congress passed the 26th Amendment in March 1971. The states promptly ratified it, and President Richard M. Nixon signed it into law that July.
How long did it take for the 26th amendment to be ratified?
After an overwhelming House vote in favor on March 23, the 26th Amendment went to the states for ratification. In just over two months –the shortest period of time for any amendment in U.S. history–the necessary three-fourths of state legislatures (or 38 states) ratified the 26th Amendment.
What is the meaning of Amendment XXVI?
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age. Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Which amendment lowered the voting age in the United States?
Contents. The 26 Amendment lowered the legal voting age in the United States from 21 to 18. The long debate over lowering the voting age began during World War II and intensified during the Vietnam War, when young men denied the right to vote were being conscripted to fight for their country. In the 1970 case Oregon v.
What was Randolph's driving force?
The driving force behind Randolph’s efforts was his faith in America’s youth, of whom he believed: “They possess a great social conscience, are perplexed by the injustices in the world and are anxious to rectify those ills.”. READ MORE: How the Vietnam War Draft Spurred the Fight for Lowering the Legal Voting Age.
What amendment did Mitchell propose?
Recognizing the confusion and costs that would be involved in maintaining separate voting rolls and elections for federal and state contests, Congress quickly proposed and the states ratified the Twenty-sixth Amendment .
Which amendment allowed Congress to pass legislation lowering the voting age?
During debate of the 1970 extension of the Voting Rights Act, Senator Ted Kennedy argued that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment allowed Congress to pass national legislation lowering the voting age. In Katzenbach v. Morgan (1966), the Supreme Court had ruled that if Congress acts to enforce the 14th Amendment by passing a law declaring that a type of state law discriminates against a certain class of persons, the Supreme Court will let the law stand if the justices can "perceive a basis" for Congress's actions.
What age did the draft take place?
The draft conscripted young men between the ages of 18 and 21 into the armed forces, primarily the U.S. Army, to serve in or support military combat operations in Vietnam. A common slogan of proponents of lowering the voting age was "old enough to fight, old enough to vote".
What amendment was passed in 1970 to allow 18 year olds to vote?
Mitchell that Congress could not lower the voting age for state and local elections. Recognizing the confusion and costs that would be involved in maintaining separate voting rolls and elections for federal and state contests, Congress quickly proposed and the states ratified the Twenty-sixth Amendment.
When was the voting age lowered?
It was proposed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and three-fourths of the states ratified it by July 1, 1971. Various public officials had supported lowering the voting age during the mid-20th century, but were unable to gain the legislative momentum necessary for passing a constitutional amendment.
How much did it cost to register 10 million people in 1972?
Mitchell, Bayh surveyed election officials in 47 states and found that registering an estimated 10 million young people in a separate system for federal elections would cost approximately $20 million. Bayh concluded that most states could not change their state constitutions in time for the 1972 election, mandating national action to avoid "chaos and confusion" at the polls.
What is the 20th amendment?
The Twenty-sixth Amendment ( Amendment XXVI) to the United States Constitution prohibits the states and the federal government from using age as a reason for denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States who are at least eighteen years old. It was proposed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and three-fourths of the states ratified it by July 1, 1971.
What amendment was passed to lower the voting age?
On this date, the 26th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. In the turmoil surrounding the unpopular Vietnam War, lowering the national voting age became a controversial topic. Responding to arguments that those old enough to be drafted for military service, should be able to exercise the right to vote, Congress lowered ...
When was the 26th amendment ratified?
The state legislatures in Ohio and North Carolina were the last to approve the amendment before official ratification took effect on July 1, 1971. With the 1972 elections looming, the 26th Amendment was ratified in record time. The Richard M. Nixon administration certified it four days later on July 5.
What year was the Little Giant?
July 01, 1971. Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives. About this object Serving 30 years in the House of Representatives, Carl Albert of Oklahoma earned the nickname "Little Giant" as a high school senior. The endearment stuck with him through his rise to Speaker of the House in 1971. On this date, the 26th Amendment to ...
When was the voting age lowered to 18?
Endorsed by Speaker Carl Albert of Oklahoma, the amendment passed the House by a vote of 401 to 19, on March 23, 1971 .
What was the minimum voting age in 1969?
In 1969 alone, at least 60 resolutions to lower the minimum voting age were introduced—but ignored—in Congress. 4 In 1970, Congress finally passed a bill extending the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that included a provision lowering the minimum voting age to 18 in all federal, state and local elections. While President Richard M. Nixon signed the bill, he attached a signing statement publicly expressing his opinion that the voting age provision was unconstitutional. “Although I strongly favor the 18-year-old vote,” Nixon stated, “I believe—along with most of the nation’s leading constitutional scholars—that Congress has no power to enact it by simple statute, but rather it requires a constitutional amendment.”
How long did it take for the 26th amendment to be ratified?
The 26th Amendment was incorporated into the Constitution just three months and eight days after Congress sent it to the states for ratification, thus making it the quickest amendment to be ratified. 1 Today, it stands as one of several laws protecting the right to vote . The 26th Amendment. U.S. National Archives.
What is the voting age for all states?
With so many young men and women being sent to war—but still denied the right to vote—more states began to demand a constitutional amendment establishing a uniform national voting age of 18 for all elections in all states. The time for the 26th Amendment had come at last.
What is the 26th amendment?
The 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution bars the federal government, as well as all state and local governments, from using age as a justification for denying the right to vote to any citizen of the United States who is at least 18 years of age. In addition, the Amendment grants Congress ...
When was the 26th amendment passed?
On March 10, 1971, the U.S. Senate voted 94-0 in favor of the proposed 26th Amendment. On March 23, 1971, the House of Representatives passed the amendment by a vote of 401-19, and the 26th Amendment was sent to the states for ratification the same day. 5
What was the purpose of the 1960s demonstrations?
During the late 1960s, demonstrations against America’s long and costly involvement in the Vietnam War began to bring the hypocrisy of drafting 18-year-olds while denying them the right to vote to the attention of Congress.
When did Georgia drop the voting age?
In 1943, Georgia became the first state to drop its minimum voting age in state and local elections from 21 to 18. 2 . However, the minimum voting age remained at 21 in most states until the 1950s, when WWII hero and President Dwight D. Eisenhower threw his support behind lowering it.
What amendment lowers the voting age to 16?
INSKEEP: And this year, the 50th anniversary of the 26th Amendment , three members of Congress have reintroduced an amendment that would lower the federal voting age to 16.
How long has the 26th amendment been around?
It's Been 5 Decades Since States Ratified The 26th Amendment It was 50 years ago this month that the 26th Amendment was signed, giving 18-year-olds the right to vote. Now, a movement to lower the voting age to 16 is gaining momentum.
What is the 26th amendment?
It was 50 years ago this month that the 26th Amendment was signed, giving 18-year-olds the right to vote. Now, a movement to lower the voting age to 16 is gaining momentum. For any 18-year-olds who voted in this past election, they have the 26th Amendment to thank.
How old is Anjali Krishnamurti?
ANJALI KRISHNAMURTI: Old enough to pay income taxes - while some of us pay income taxes - old enough to vote. PFEIFFER: That's 16-year-old Anjali Krishnamurti. She's part of an organization called Vote 16 USA. It advocates for lowering the voting age to 16 at the local, state and federal levels.
What year did NPR go on air?
So we're taking a few moments to celebrate some of the other newsworthy events of 1971 .
Why should 17 year olds vote?
KRISHNAMURTI: Sixteen- and 17-year-olds should be able to vote because we are involved in the issues that come across America. And we have to sit there and watch it without any representation, even though we are so civically engaged.
What is the kid factor?
MIKE WATERS: A new force has emerged in American politics. The politicians refer to it as the kid factor. As a result of the recently passed 26th Amendment, young people between the ages of 18 and 21 have now won the right to vote.
What is the 26th Amendment?
Section One of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution states that the legal age to vote for United States citizens is eighteen years of age or older.
What amendment did the Supreme Court rule on?
The Supreme Court resolution on the Twenty-Sixth Amendment . The Voting Rights Act’s constitutionality had to be reviewed in 1970 by the United States Supreme Court. The majority decision included Congress not having the right to set the minimum age at state and local levels. It would only do so in federal elections.
Why can't young men vote in Vietnam?
The situation got more intense during the Vietnam War. Young men who couldn’t vote because of their age got mobilized to fight for their country. In 1970, there was a division in the United States Supreme Court during the Oregon V. Mitchell case.
When was the Twenty Sixth Amendment enacted?
There was still dissatisfaction, which led to the proposal of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which was ratified faster than any other amendment in the United States and enacted in 1971 . Please leave this field empty.
Which amendment gives the right to vote to citizens who meet the requirements?
Citizens who meet this requirement shouldn’t be denied the right to vote in any State or National election. Section Two of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment states that Congress has the power to enact this article if it is done through proper legislation.
When was the 20th amendment passed?
In March of 1971, the Twenty-Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution was passed by Congress. After quick ratification from all states, it was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon in July of the same year.
When did the Voting Rights Act pass?
There were also resolutions presented to Congress, but none were successful. In 1970 the Voting Rights Act 1965 was passed by Congress, and President Richard M. Nixon signed it.
Where was the 26th amendment signed?
The signing took place in East Room of the White House in Washington. Paul Larimer of Concord, Calif. , a member of the singing group "Young Americans" also signed the amendment. (Charles Tasnadi) Fifty years ago on July 1, the requisite three-fourths of American states ratified the 26th Amendment to the U.S.
Which amendment was the fastest ratified?
Ninety-nine days earlier, more than 90% of U.S. House members joined a unanimous Senate to propose the constitutional amendment. The 26th Amendment — the fastest ever ratified by the states — could be regarded as the most embraced amendment in American history. It may also be our last.
Who signed the 26th amendment?
Robert Kunzig, general services administrator , waits to certify officially ratification of the 26th amendment. The signing took place in East Room of the White House in Washington. Paul Larimer of Concord, Calif. , a member of the singing group "Young Americans" also signed the amendment. (Charles Tasnadi)
The 26th Amendment: “Old Enough to Fight, Old Enough to Vote”
Presidential & Congressional Support For The 26th Amendment
- Dwight D. Eisenhower, who led the U.S. armed forces to victory in Europe in 1945, later became the first president to publicly voice his support for a constitutional amendment lowering the minimum voting age. In his 1954 State of the Union address, Eisenhower declared: “For years our citizens between the ages of 18 and 21 have, in time of peril, been summoned to fight for Ameri…
Supreme Court Decision on The 26th Amendment
- In the 1970 case Oregon v. Mitchell, the U.S. Supreme Court was tasked with reviewing the constitutionality of the provision. Justice Hugo Black wrote the majority decision in the case, which held that Congress did not have the right to regulate the minimum age in State and local elections, but only in federal elections. The issue left the Court seriously divided: Four justices, n…
Passage, Ratification and Effects of The 26th Amendment
- On March 10, 1971, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the proposed amendment. After an overwhelming House vote in favor on March 23, the 26th Amendment went to the states for ratification. In just over two months–the shortest period of time for any amendment in U.S. history–the necessary three-fourths of state legislatures (or 38 states)...
Text of The 26 Amendment
- Amendment XXVI Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age. Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Overview
The Twenty-sixth Amendment (Amendment XXVI) to the United States Constitution prohibits the states and the federal government from using age as a reason for denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States who are at least eighteen years old. It was proposed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and three-fourths of the states ratified it by July 1, 1971.
Text
Section 1. 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. Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Section 1. 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. Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Background
Senator Harley Kilgore began advocating for a lowered voting age in 1941 in the 77th Congress. Despite the support of fellow senators, representatives, and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Congress failed to pass any national change. However, public interest in lowering the voting age became a topic of interest at the local level. In 1943 and 1955 respectively, the Georgia and Kentucky legislatures approved measures to lower the voting age to 18.
Proposal and ratification
Senator Birch Bayh's subcommittee on constitutional amendments began hearings on extending voting rights to 18 year-olds in 1968.
After Oregon v. Mitchell, Bayh surveyed election officials in 47 states and found that registering an estimated 10 million young people in a separate system for federal elections would cost approximately $20 million. Bayh concluded that …
See also
• Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution (1870, extending vote to non-white men)
• Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution (1920, women's right to vote)
External links
• CRS Annotated Constitution: Twenty-sixth Amendment
• Eric Fish, The Twenty-sixth Amendment Enforcement Power