Georgia votes to give ballot to 18-year-olds (8-4-43)

The Pittsburgh Press (August 4, 1943)

Georgia votes to give ballot to 18-year-olds

Amendment places states first on the list to lower age

Atlanta, Georgia (UP) –
Georgia today apparently became the first state in the nation to grant voting privileges to 18-year-olds.

Returns from yesterday’s balloting gave almost certain approval of a measure to lower the voting age and 27 other constitutional amendments sponsored by Governor Ellis Arnall to “complete my campaign promises to the people of Georgia.”

State officials estimated, on the basis of Selective Service figures, that more than 160,000 names would be added to registration lists.

The figures, however, included Negroes who do not vote in Georgia Democratic primaries, whose nominations are tantamount to election.