How old do citizens have to be to vote for president?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Civics Test. Explore multiple choice questions and flashcards with detailed explanations. Prepare to become a U.S. citizen!

Citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote for president in the United States. This age requirement is established by the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1971, which states that citizens cannot be denied the right to vote based on age if they are 18 years or older. The rationale behind setting the voting age at 18 is rooted in the belief that individuals of this age possess the maturity and capacity to participate meaningfully in civic duties, including selecting their leaders. Prior to this amendment, the voting age could be higher in some states, but the 26th Amendment standardized the voting age across the country at 18.