[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 128 (Tuesday, November 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2025-E2026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO ED BONNETTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2006

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ed Bonnette, a man 
who was ``instrumental in lowering the national voting age to 18.
  Ed served as the New Jersey Chair for the Let US Vote 18 (LUV 18) 
Committee at the age of 20. His efforts, combined with the efforts of 
LUV 18 members in 10 other states, made it possible for the 26th 
Amendment to the Constitution to be ratified in 1971.
  The Let US Vote 18 Committee had placed referendums on New Jersey 
ballots throughout the 1960s, without success. In 1970, members of this 
group took their case before the Supreme Court. The Court agreed that 
the voting age must be lowered for Federal elections to

[[Page E2026]]

comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. States soon realized it 
would be impractical to have separate voting systems for Federal and 
State elections, and subsequently moved to change the law. The 26th 
Amendment was the fastest yet to be certified, with Ohio's ratification 
making it official. In July of 1971, less than 100 days after the 
process began, President Richard M. Nixon officially signed the 26th 
Amendment into law, officially lowering the voting age to 18.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Ed Bonnette today for all that he has done for 
the First Congressional District of New Jersey and our country. Ed's 
service is worthy of admiration, and I applaud him for his efforts.

                          ____________________