Forty-four years ago today, on January 20, 1981 (December 15, 1980 in the lunar calendar), Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, took office (1981-1989). On January 20, 1981, Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, took office. Reagan won 489 electoral votes, far more than the required 270 votes, while Carter only got 47 electoral votes, much less than the 297 electoral votes he defeated President Gerald Ford four years ago. President-elect Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy leisurely ride on an Air Force DC-9