1972 Irish constitutional referendums

Two referendums were held together in Ireland on 7 December 1972, each on a proposed amendment of the Irish constitution. Both proposals were approved by voters.

Fourth amendment

Main article: Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland

The Fourth Amendment to the constitution lowered the voting age for all national elections and referendums in the state from twenty-one to eighteen years of age

Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland referendum^[1]

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	724,836	84.64
No	131,514	15.36
Valid votes	856,350	94.79
Invalid or blank votes	47,089	5.21
Total votes	903,439	100.00
Registered voters/turnout	1,783,604	50.65

Fifth amendment

Main article: Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland

The Fifth Amendment to the constitution removed reference to "special position" of the Roman Catholic Church and to certain other named denominations.

Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland referendum^[1]

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	721,003	84.38
No	133,430	15.62
Valid votes	854,433	94.54
Invalid or blank votes	49,326	5.46
Total votes	903,759	100.00
Registered voters/turnout	1,783,604	50.67

See also

• Constitutional amendment
• Politics of the Republic of Ireland
• History of the Republic of Ireland