[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8691 of July 1, 2011

40th Anniversary of the 26th Amendment
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Forty years ago, the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution
took effect, lowering the universal voting age in America from 21 years
to 18 years. Millions of young Americans were extended the right to
vote, empowering more young people than ever before to help shape our
country. On this anniversary, we remember the commitment of all those
who fought for the right to vote and celebrate the contributions of
young adults to our Nation.
The right to vote has been secured by generations of leaders over our
history, from the women's groups of the early 20th century to the civil
rights activists of the 1960s. For young people, the movement to lower
America's voting age took years of hard work and tough advocacy to make
the dream a reality. Yet, once proposed in Congress in 1971, the 26th
Amendment was ratified in the shortest time span of any Constitutional
Amendment in American history.
In the midst of the Vietnam War, our Nation bestowed upon our young
people the ability to change the status quo and entrusted them with a
new voice in government. Today, young adults across America continue to
exercise this enormous responsibility of citizenship. Countless young
people are involved in the political process, dedicated to ensuring
their voices are heard.
Ideas from young Americans are important to my Administration, and they
will help shape the future of our Nation. We are committed to

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supporting and developing young leaders from all beliefs and
backgrounds, and from urban and rural communities alike. This year, I
launched ``100 Youth Roundtables,'' an initiative to facilitate
substantive dialogue between my Administration and young Americans. We
hosted a Young Entrepreneur Summit to listen to budding entrepreneurs
and better assess their needs. And this summer, we are beginning a ``How
to Make Change'' series for young Americans from all walks of life who
are seeking change in their communities and our world.
Young adults have been a driving force for change in the last century,
bringing new ideas and high hopes to our national dialogue. Today, we
remember the efforts of those who fought for their seat at the table,
and we encourage coming generations to claim their place in our
democracy.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 1, 2011, as the
40th Anniversary of the 26th Amendment. I call upon all Americans to
participate in ceremonies and activities that honor young Americans, and
those who have fought for freedom and justice in our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of July,
in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA