<P> Before the Second World War , the voting age in almost all countries was 21 years or higher . Czechoslovakia was the first to reduce the voting age to 20 years in 1946 , and by 1968 a total of 17 countries had lowered their voting age . Many countries , particularly in Western Europe , reduced their voting ages to 18 years during the 1970s , starting with the United Kingdom ( 1969 ) , with the United States ( 26th Amendment ) ( 1971 ) , Canada , West Germany ( 1972 ) , Australia ( 1974 ) , France ( 1974 ) , and others following soon afterwards . By the end of the 20th century , 18 had become by far the most common voting age . However , a few countries maintain a voting age of 20 years or higher . It was argued that young men could be drafted to go to war at 18 , and many people felt they should be able to vote at the age of 18 . </P>
<P> Before the Second World War , the voting age in almost all countries was 21 years or higher . Czechoslovakia was the first to reduce the voting age to 20 years in 1946 , and by 1968 a total of 17 countries had lowered their voting age . Many countries , particularly in Western Europe , reduced their voting ages to 18 years during the 1970s , starting with the United Kingdom ( 1969 ) , with the United States ( 26th Amendment ) ( 1971 ) , Canada , West Germany ( 1972 ) , Australia ( 1974 ) , France ( 1974 ) , and others following soon afterwards . By the end of the 20th century , 18 had become by far the most common voting age . However , a few countries maintain a voting age of 20 years or higher . It was argued that young men could be drafted to go to war at 18 , and many people felt they should be able to vote at the age of 18 . </P>
when did the voting age changed to 18
when did the voting age changed to 18
1971
1971