Tennessee ratified the 26^th Amendment—which lowered the voting age to eighteen—on the very first day.  Why?  Because of the work and foresight of the state legislature’s two youngest members in 1971—Victor Ashe and Dick Krieg, who both represented Knoxville districts.  More than fifty years later, they will share their stories about being young crusaders in the legislature and their work of empowering young people to politically participate in their local communities.

About the panelists

Victor H. Ashe—former Knoxville mayor, state senator and representative, and U.S. ambassador to Poland.

Richard W. Krieg—former state representative who practiced law for 47 years with Lewis Thomason in their Knoxville office and is now retired.

Amy L. Sayward—professor of History at Middle Tennessee State University.