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

The minimum age requirement to vote in the United States is set at 18 years old. This is established by the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1971, which specifically states that citizens of the United States who are 18 years of age or older cannot be denied the right to vote based on age. This amendment was a response to debates about the voting age during the Vietnam War, where young people who were eligible for military service were not allowed to vote.

This age requirement reflects a nationwide standard; all states must adhere to it, ensuring that any citizen who has reached the age of 18 has the opportunity to participate in elections. The foundation of this rule is rooted in the belief that individuals who are old enough to take on responsibilities like military service should also have a say in the democratic process.