Voting rules

Voting age is a written line in the law. This page explains where that line comes from in the United States, how the rest of the world compares, and how young people can take part in elections before they are old enough to vote. It does not tell anyone under the voting age that they may cast an official ballot.

The 26th Amendment

The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1971, says the right of citizens who are 18 or older to vote "shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."

That makes 18 a floor for the elections it covers. A state cannot set its voting age higher than 18. The amendment does not require a state to let anyone younger vote, and it does not replace the other rules a voter must meet.

Who sets the other rules

Most of the details of voting in the United States are set by states, within limits set by the Constitution and federal law. That includes:

• How and when to register
• Whether you need ID, and what kind
• Residency requirements
• Early voting and mail voting rules
• Registration deadlines

Because these rules vary, always check your state or local election office. Vote.gov is the official federal site for finding your state's registration rules.

Before you turn 18

Some states let 16 or 17 year olds preregister so they are automatically registered when they turn 18. Some states also let 17 year olds vote in primary elections if they will be 18 by the general election. A small number of cities allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in local elections only. Takoma Park, Maryland, became the first U.S. city to do this in 2013.

These rules differ from state to state and change over time, so check your state's official election website before relying on any of them.

Voting ages around the world

Most countries set the national voting age at 18. Some use a lower age. Austria lowered its voting age to 16 for national elections in 2007. Brazil and Argentina allow voting at 16. Scotland allows 16 and 17 year olds to vote in Scottish Parliament and local elections. A few countries use an age above 18. If you live outside the United States, check your national election authority.

Ways to take part now

You can be active in elections before you can vote.

• Learn the ballot. Read about the offices and measures on your local ballot and how each office works.
• Serve as a poll worker. Many states let high school students, often 16 and older, work at polling places. Check with your county election office.
• Help eligible voters register. If you help, follow your state's rules on voter registration drives.
• Contact officials. You can write to elected officials at any age. The Train page explains how.
• Practice. School mock elections and Civic Arena polls are good practice. They are not official returns.

YCP's approach

YCP explains how voting works and how to find the official rules. It does not endorse or oppose candidates or parties, and it does not tell anyone how to vote. Advocacy about changing a voting age is a separate topic. It belongs in clearly labeled campaign material that the organization has approved, not inside an educational page.

Quick questions

Can I register at 17?
It depends on your state. Some states allow preregistration at 16 or 17. Check vote.gov.

Can I vote in a school election or mock election?
Yes, if your school or club runs one. Those results are practice and are not official returns.

Where do I find my polling place?
Your state or county election office website. Vote.gov links to each state's official site.