"26th Amendment—Voting Age Changed to 18"

Introduction
The Twenty-sixth Amendment made 18-year-olds eligible to vote in all federal, state, and local elections. Until 1971, the minimum age had been 21 in most states. In the 1960s, when many young Americans were fighting in Vietnam, a movement to lower the voting age to 18 began. The basic argument was that if individuals were old enough to be drafted and fight for their country, they were old enough to vote. In this activity students will learn more about elections and voting. They will find out how to register to vote and where and how to vote.

Lesson Description
Students will visit a government Web site about elections and voting to learn more about the specific provisions of the Twenty-sixth Amendment. They will learn how to register to vote and how to vote. They will also learn about the election process and different voting systems and answer questions pertaining to these topics. Students will then write a one-page paper persuading a friend to vote.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to list voting requirements in their state.
2. Students will be able to explain why each citizen's vote is important.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Original lawmakers realized that November was the most convenient month for farmers and rural workers to be able to travel to the polls. The fall harvest would be over, and most of the nation's weather would be mild enough to permit travel.
2. One vote can change the outcome of an election. For example, in the 1882 election for U.S. House of Representatives in the 7th District of Illinois, Democratic candidate James C. Allen beat Republican William B. Archer 8,452 to 8,451.
3. Answers will vary according to state.
4. Direct Recording Electronic, or DRE is the most recently developed voting system.
5. Students' papers will vary.

Go To Student Web Activity