Federal119Active
HJRES16
Proposal to Lower Voting Age to 16
Last scannedAug 23, 2026, 4:15 AM
In one sentence
This bill proposes a change to the U.S. Constitution that would allow citizens who are at least 16 years old to vote.
What it does
- Repeals the current rule in the Constitution (the Twenty-sixth Amendment) regarding voting age.
- Sets a new rule stating people cannot be denied the right to vote because they are under 18 but over 15.
- Requires two-thirds of both the House and Senate to approve this proposal before sending it to states.
- Needs approval from three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years to become part of the Constitution.
Who it affects
- U.S. citizens who are between 16 and 17 years old.
- State governments that currently set voting age rules at 18 or older.
- The U.S. Congress, which would gain power to pass laws enforcing this new rule.
Limits and unknowns
- This bill has not yet been voted on by the full House or Senate.
- The change will not happen unless three-fourths of all states agree to it within seven years.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Constitutional Amendment
- A formal change added to the main law of the United States that requires special approval from Congress and most states.
- Ratified
- Officially approved by enough state governments so a new rule becomes part of the Constitution.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the minimum age for the right to vote from 18 to 16.
Official activity
Bill history
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
- Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
- Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress