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The Constitution of the United States of America
Additional Amendments, Amendment XXVI, Section 1
Introduction:
The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1971, establishes the right to vote for citizens who are 18 years of age or older. Section 1 of this amendment states that the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of age. This amendment was significant in lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, reflecting the belief that those old enough to be drafted for military service should also have the right to participate in the electoral process.
Actual Text:
“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. ”
