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Women
On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified. Women 21 and up were able to vote. -
Call to Lower Voting Age
18-year-old men were fighting in WW2. Americans felt that if 18-year-olds were old enough to fight, they should be able to vote. The slogan "Old enough to fight, old enough to fight" became very popular while trying to lower the voting age. -
Proposal to Lower Voting Age
Jennings Randolph was a Democratic politician. Randolph proposed the amendment to lower the voting age. He did not have support from his colleagues, so nothing happened. In 1958, Randolph was elected as a senator. -
The First State
In 1943, Georgia Became the first state to lower the voting age to 18. However, it was not changed for federal elections- only state and local. -
War Escalates
During a reelection campaign, President Johnson promises not to send Americans to Asia to fight in the war. Instead, President Johnson increases the troop strength in South Vietnam. By this time, over half a million soldiers, sailors, and marines are fighting in combat. The draft is then used by the government to strengthen the military. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
On August 6, 1965, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed by President Johnson. This Act allowed African Americans 21 and up to be allowed to vote. Any restrictions in the polls were taken away. -
Federal but Not State
Court rules that Congress can lower the voting age in federal elections, but not state or local elections. This was because Idaho, Orgen, and Texas argued that it was unconstitutional. -
Sent to the States
By March 23, 1971, Randolph had received enough support from his colleagues. The 26th Amendment was passed to Congress. It was sent out to the states to be ratified. -
Amendment Gets Ratified
In July of 1771, the 26th Amendment is ratified. President Nixon had signed it into law. The legal voting age for all elections was lowered to 18 in the United States. -
High Numbers
Over 50 percent of American voters were between the age of 18 and 21 on Election Day.