The Rural Assembly is pleased to present with its partners, the Rural Youth Catalyst  Project and CIRCLE:

The passage of youth voting rights was a critical piece of civil rights legislation. Join us for an intergenerational panel discussion with rural leaders as we reflect on the historical significance and current fight to fulfill the promise of the 26th Amendment.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18: a critical step in the expansion of democracy.

Fifty years ago, rural young people were on the front lines of fighting to end voter suppression. Prior to the 26th amendment, the rural states of Georgia, Kentucky, Alaska and Hawaii led the way by passing their own state legislation to lower the voting age.

While there has been progress, the promise of the 26th Amendment remains partially unfulfilled as long as some youth — including rural young people — are underrepresented in the electorate.

Despite some media perceptions of the much-maligned, monolithic rural voter, rural young adults are still at the forefront of battles for political and social change.

Join us for a conversation to reclaim and reshape that image, learn from our history, and understand the important role that rural young people play in democracy.

Fulfilling the Promise: A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the 26th Amendment Livestream