Legal Definitions - Twenty-sixth Amendment

The Twenty-sixth Amendment is a part of the United States Constitution that guarantees all citizens who are 18 years of age or older the right to vote in every election held in the country. This includes elections for federal offices, such as President and members of Congress, as well as state and local offices, like governors, mayors, and city council members. Ratified in 1971, this amendment lowered the national voting age from 21 to 18.

• Example 1: Federal Election Participation

  After celebrating her 18th birthday, Maria immediately registers to vote. A few months later, she proudly casts her ballot in the presidential election, choosing candidates for President, Vice President, and her district's representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.

  This example illustrates the Twenty-sixth Amendment because Maria, at 18 years old, is legally entitled to participate in a federal election, exercising her right to vote for national leaders.

• Example 2: State and Local Elections

  David, a 19-year-old college student, receives an absentee ballot for his hometown's upcoming municipal elections. He carefully reviews the candidates for mayor and city council, as well as a local bond measure, before mailing in his completed ballot.

  Here, the Twenty-sixth Amendment ensures that David, being over 18, has the right to vote in state and local elections, influencing decisions that directly affect his community.

• Example 3: Preventing Age Restrictions

  Imagine a scenario where a state legislature proposes a new law that would raise the minimum voting age for all state-level elections to 20, arguing that younger voters lack sufficient life experience. This proposed law would be immediately challenged and struck down.

  This situation demonstrates the Twenty-sixth Amendment's power to prevent states from imposing a voting age higher than 18 for any election, thereby protecting the voting rights of all eligible citizens aged 18 and above.