The Lead-Up to Oregon v. Mitchell
By the late 1960s, the issue of voting age was a growing national concern. The Vietnam War was in full force, and young Americans—many of whom were being drafted to fight—were increasingly vocal about their lack of voting rights. The slogan “Old enough to fight, old enough to vote” became a rallying cry among youth activists.
At the time, individual states set their own voting age requirements, with most requiring voters to be at least 21 years old. However, the federal government took steps to lower the voting age to 18 through the Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1970. This law mandated that all states allow 18-year-olds to vote in federal, state, and local elections. Several states, including Oregon, challenged this law, arguing that the federal government was overstepping its authority.
The Supreme Court’s Ruling
On December 21, 1970, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a divided ruling in Oregon v. Mitchell. The Court determined that Congress had the authority to regulate the voting age in federal elections but not in state or local elections. This meant that while 18-year-olds could now vote for president and members of Congress, they still needed to be 21 to vote in state and local races unless individual states chose to lower their voting age.
The Impact of Oregon v. Mitchell
The ruling created a confusing and impractical situation where young voters could participate in some elections but not others. This inconsistency put immense pressure on lawmakers to find a permanent solution. The response was swift—just months later, in 1971, Congress passed and the states ratified the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, officially lowering the voting age to 18 nationwide. The amendment was ratified faster than any other constitutional amendment in American history, reflecting overwhelming bipartisan support and the urgency of ensuring that young Americans had a voice in their government.
Why This Moment Matters
Oregon v. Mitchell was a catalyst for one of the most significant expansions of voting rights in U.S. history. By challenging the federal government’s power, the case ultimately led to a constitutional amendment that enfranchised millions of young Americans. The decision reinforced the principle that voting rights must evolve alongside the nation’s changing social and political landscape.
Stay Tuned for Moment #16!
Join us next week as we reveal the next crucial moment in the expansion of American voting rights. Each of these moments brings us closer to understanding how our democracy has grown and why it is vital to protect and expand access to the ballot box.
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