How old must U.S. citizens be in order to vote in presidential elections?

In order to vote in presidential elections, U.S. citizens must be at least 18 years old. This requirement is established by the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1971. The amendment ensures that the right to vote cannot be denied to citizens who are 18 years of age or older based on age alone.

This age threshold is important because it reflects the belief that individuals at this age have the maturity and capacity to participate in the democratic process, making informed decisions about their government and leaders. Prior to this amendment, states had the authority to set higher voting ages, which excluded many young citizens from participating in elections. The change was a significant step in expanding voting rights and ensuring that younger citizens could engage in the electoral process alongside adults.