Amendment XXVI
Voting Age Lowered to 18
Ratified July 1, 1971
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment was driven by the argument that if 18-year-olds could be drafted to fight and die for their country, they should have the right to vote. After Oregon v. Mitchell (1970) created a split system where 18-year-olds could vote in federal but not state elections, the amendment resolved the anomaly.
Full 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.
Annotated Version
The Amendments XI–XXVII document includes phrase highlights and court case references for this amendment.
Constitutional Framework
Original Text
U.S. Constitution
Articles I–VII (1787). The three branches, enumerated powers, and the framework these amendments modify.
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Amendments I–X
Bill of Rights
Ratified December 15, 1791. Freedom of religion, speech, press, arms, due process, and more.
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Amendments XI–XXVII
Later Amendments
Ratified 1795–1992. Abolition of slavery, equal protection, women's suffrage, and more.
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