This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu 
(redacted) USAF Academy
Colorado 80840 
February 1970
SENATOR BOB DOLE
RECIEVED FEB 23 1970
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20510
Honorable Bob Dole 
United States Senate 
Washington DC
Dear Senator Dole: 
I have just read in the evening paper the statement by Mr. Kleindienst regarding The Nixon administration request that Congress approve a constitutional amendment lowering the voting age to 18. He once again uses the emotional appeals that the nation does not wait until 21 years of age for young people to enter the labor market , to pay income tax, non to serve in the military.
I hasten to point out that entrance into the labor market and service in the military require only a level of physical competence. At 18 most young people possess this. Paying income tax is related only to income - not age or ability. On the other hand the right and responsibility to vote inherently requires an emotional stability and ability to reason objectively. The average 18 year old can not possess these to the same degree as the average 21 year old. For this reason the average 18 year old can not be as intelligent and responsible voter as the average 21 year old.
I would hope you and the other members of the Kansas delegation would oppose lowering the voting age.
Sincerely: (redacted), MAJOR USAF KANSAS RESIDENT
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This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu
Voting Age
February 23, 1970
Major (redacted) 
(redacted) USAF Academy 
Colorado 80840
Dear Major (redacted):
This will acknowledge your letter of February 17 expressing your objection to lowering the voting age to 18.
For your information, I have co-sponsored a measure which would extend the voting privileges to citizens at the age of 18.
I regret that we do not agree, however, I feel the valor of young people between 18 and 21 on the battlefield, their political involvement at home, and their deep concern for the complex problems of our times clearly indicate compelling reasons for them to be enabled to vote.
Thank you for writing and if I may be of assistance, do let me know.
Sincerely yours,
BOB DOLE 
United States Senate
BD: 1s
s-con_225_015_007_A1b.pdf
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