Dear John, 

Fifty years ago today, young people scored a major victory for building power on the issues they cared about—it’s the 50th anniversary of the 26th Amendment! When the 26th Amendment was ratified in 1971, it did more than just lower the voting age from 21 to 18. It fully banned age discrimination in voting and opened the door for more young people than ever to participate fully in our democracy.

Since then, young people have shown again and again that our voices truly matter. In 2020, a historic 55% percent of young people aged 18-29 turned out to vote, throwing our weight behind progressive agendas. A year later, it’s clear that young people are still central to the struggle for America’s future.

But, as we celebrate the anniversary of the 26th Amendment, we also recognize that freedom from discrimination based on age is under attack. In this year alone, 17 states have passed 28 new laws that make it harder to vote by restricting early and absentee voting (1), increasing voter ID requirements, and creating barriers to voter registration. These measures are designed to keep young people from voting in the upcoming elections.

That’s why it’s crucial that we pass the For the People Act (S.1). This piece of legislation will create national standards that protect voters’ rights, limit the power of corporate donations, and create fair elections with representation for all. And it’s already passed the House—we just need your support to push S. 1 through the Senate.
 

Use our tool to tell your senators, the 26th Amendment promised young people the right to vote. 50 years later, it’s time to make good on that promise. It’s time to pass the For the People Act.

We’re calling for a democracy where everyone, regardless of their age, has the right to equal representation.

Best, 

Edwith Theogene
Director of Advocacy
Generation Progress

Citations

(1) https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/voting-laws-roundup-may-2021