How old do citizens have to be to vote for President? — Answer & Explanation

Official Question & Answer

Question

How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?

✦ OFFICIAL ANSWER ✦

Eighteen (18) and older

Why This Is the Answer

Citizens must be eighteen (18) and older to vote for President. This age was set by the 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971.

Before the 26th Amendment, the voting age was 21 in most states. The amendment was largely driven by the Vietnam War — if 18-year-olds were old enough to be drafted and fight, they should be old enough to vote.

The 26th Amendment is the most recent amendment related to voting rights. This question is on the 65/20 senior list.

💡 Interview Tip

Say: 'Eighteen and older.'

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