Twenty-Sixth Amendment

Exploring the Essential Primary Sources
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65 Twenty-Sixth Amendment
65 Twenty-Sixth Amendment
https://doi.org/10.3735/9781968349172.book-part-65

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Abstract

The Twenty-Sixth Amendment (1971) represents the latest change to the Constitution regarding suffrage for American citizens. Prior to the passage of the amendment, the voting age in many states had been established at 21 years of age despite many jurisdictions (including the federal codes) recognizing the age of 18 as being capable of all legal ramifications associated with adulthood. Eighteen-year-olds were expected to pay taxes, eligible to live on their own, and no longer subject to a criminal code dedicated for individuals, yet they had no political voice in regard to these issues.

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