26th’s Amendment’s History Corner

“History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme.” So said that great American Mark Twain. So to have a look and gain some understanding about this present moment, we’re going to take a look at some important moments in the history of voting and civic engagement. In that spirit, today we’re going to look at the origin story of the 26th Amendment. 

Back in 1971, the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old. The Vietnam War was raging and the 26th Amendment’s passing is directly related to the war. People noticed it was a bit… messed up that some kid could be sent off to war to fight for his country. However, when he came home, he couldn’t even vote for or against the politicians deciding whether or not to send people like him to fight and potentially die in Vietnam. The amendment passed, not without some opposition from groups who oppose expanding the franchise. (Yes, in every election cycle there are folks who make it their business to reduce voting.) The first national election for which this new crop of voters would be eligible to vote was during the 1972 presidential matchup between Richard Nixon and George McGovern. 

The Passage of the 26th Amendment & Impact

It takes a lot of work to pass a constitutional amendment. The last time it happened, the first George Bush was President, and it was related to legislators being able to give themselves more money. The 26th amendment was 20 years previous to the last one. A new amendment is so rare because an amendment must be proposed by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress, or by two-thirds of the states. In addition, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or three-fourths of conventions called in each state for ratification. 

Imagine getting two-thirds of Congress to vote in favor of something. For example, back in 1923, an amendment proposed that would explicitly prohibit sex discrimination. Conversly, even that amendment, one in favor of fundamentally equality of the sexes, couldn’t be passed. 

Fast forward to 1971, with the war in Vietnam still raging and lots of young adults not coming home, there was compelling logic to say that the young adults who did come home should be able to vote. “Old enough to fight, old enough to vote” the saying went. The amendment passed. Therefore, Richard Nixon signed it into law.

Every election can feel like the most important election ever, where everything is on the line, and if the other guy wins then it’s a total calamity. 1972 was no different. Nixon said his opponent McGovern was the candidate of “Amnesty Acid and Abortion.” Rolling Stone magazine’s Hunter Thompson said that Nixon “represents that dark, venal and incurably violent side of the American character.” 

Tensions were high. Some people argued that lowering the voting age to 18 and letting the youth vote would mean chaos. One button seen on a college campus in psychedelic font said, “Watch out, I vote.” 

And in the end? Nixon won 49 of 50 states, including nearly half of the 18-21 vote. The college campuses favored McGovern, but the turnout was low. The non-college under 21 vote, which was targeted by the Nixon campaign, broke in Nixon’s favor. 

Conclusion

Overall, voting is about representation. Voting is about inclusion. It is about letting those who will fight and die for your country have a say in the fate of your country. Voting is about fairness, which is a topic that caused as much drama 50 years ago as it causes now. There are many moments where people literally died for the vote. And that’s why we’re here. We at WeVote are committed to doing our small part in advocating, and in ensuring all that beautiful energy and commitment to expanding the franchise is honored. 

About WeVote: 

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