What is the minimum age requirement to vote in the United States?

The minimum age requirement to vote in the United States is 18 years old. This standard is established by the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1971, which prohibits the federal and state governments from denying the right to vote to citizens aged 18 or older based on age. This amendment was a significant step in expanding voting rights, particularly in response to arguments that individuals who were old enough to be drafted into military service were also old enough to participate in the democratic process.

In addition to the constitutional provision, most states adhere to this 18-year-old minimum age for voting in federal, state, and local elections. This reflects a societal consensus on the age of maturity and responsibility that allows individuals to partake in civic duties, including voting. While some states may allow younger individuals to pre-register or vote in primaries at a younger age, the official voting age remains at 18.