The minimum voting age in the United States is 18 for federal, state, and local elections, as established by the Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution and applicable state laws.

Key points

• Twenty-sixth Amendment: Sets the national standard at 18 for voting in federal elections, and by extension most state and local elections that synchronize with federal requirements.

• Historical context: The amendment was ratified in 1971 amid debates tied to the Vietnam War era, with the slogan “old enough to fight, old enough to vote.”

• Exceptions and nuances: Some jurisdictions may have additional requirements or policies (e.g., specific voter registration deadlines, ID rules, or eligibility rules for certain elections), but the baseline voting age remains 18 nationwide. Check your specific state or locality for registration deadlines and any unique rules.

If you’d like, specify your country or state, and the exact election type (federal, state, or local), and can provide tailored age-related rules and any notable exceptions.