Join the Kennedy Institute for a virtual conversation on the movement to lower the voting age and the power of coalitions to push for change from both a historical and modern perspective. Participants include an original member of the Youth Franchise Coalition that was instrumental in the passage of the 26th Amendment and current activists working on voting rights and lowering the voting age to 16 years old.
Youth activism and participation were key in the movement to lower the voting age from 21 years old to 18 years old and the ultimate passage of the 26th Amendment guaranteeing this right. Senator Edward M. Kennedy worked with coalitions to gain congressional support for this effort and truly believed in the power they wield to bring about change. The current efforts to lower the voting age to 16 years old have seen some success throughout the United States and share many similarities to prior voting rights movements.
Moderated byCheryl Crawford, executive director of MassVOTE, the conversation will include:
