The 26th Amendment Explained

The 26th Amendment is part of the U.S. Constitution and gives U.S. citizens who are 18 years old or older the constitutional right to vote and prevents the federal government or states from denying that right because of age.

"The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."

Who Does the Twenty-Sixth Amendment Protect?

The Federal Government

The Federal Government cannot deny or limit a U.S. citizen's right to vote in federal elections because they are 18 or older.

State Governments

State Governments cannot set the voting age above 18 for U.S. citizens.

The People

U.S. citizens who are 18 years old or older are protected from being denied the right to vote because of their age.

Private Businesses and Organizations

The Twenty Sixth Amendment generally does not apply directly to private businesses or organizations because it restricts government action. Private organizations may have separate rules for their own activities, as long as those rules follow applicable laws.

What Does the Twenty-Sixth Amendment Protect?

Section 1

Protects the right of U.S. citizens who are 18 years old or older to vote. The government cannot deny that right because of age.

Section 2

Gives Congress the power to make laws that enforce this amendment.

How Does the Twenty-Sixth Amendment Protect People?

Once a U.S. citizen reaches 18 years old, the government cannot deny their right to vote because they are under 21.

The amendment does not remove other legal voting requirements, such as citizenship, voter registration, and residency requirements.

Where Does the Twenty-Sixth Amendment Apply?

Voting

It protects the right to vote for eligible U.S. citizens who are 18 or older.

Federal Elections

It applies to elections for President, Vice President, Senators, and Representatives.

State and Local Elections

It also prevents states and local governments from setting the voting age above 18.

Why Was the Twenty-Sixth Amendment Established?

The 26th amendment was established after growing support for allowing 18 year olds to vote, especially during the Vietnam War.

A common argument was that if 18 year olds were old enough to be drafted into the military and serve their country, they should also be allowed to vote.

Congress passed the amendment quickly, and the states ratified it in a little over three months.

When Was the Twenty-Sixth Amendment Approved?

The 26th Amendment was proposed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and approved by the states on July 1, 1971, about 3 months later.