What did the 26th Amendment accomplish?

The 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971, lowered the voting age to 18 years. This change was largely influenced by the social movements of the 1960s, particularly the argument that if young men and women were deemed old enough to fight and die for their country in the Vietnam War, they should also have the right to vote. The amendment reflects a significant shift toward including younger citizens in the democratic process, emphasizing the importance of their voices in shaping national policies and decisions. This change aligned with broader civil rights movements that sought to increase participation in democracy and ensure representation for all age groups. Thus, the 26th Amendment is a landmark moment in expanding voting rights in the United States.