How old do citizens have to be to vote for the President?

Study for the Oregon Citizenship Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam with confidence!

To vote for the President of the United States, citizens must be at least 18 years old. The legal voting age was established by the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1971, which specifically prohibits the denial of the right to vote to citizens of the United States who are 18 years of age or older based on their age. This amendment was a significant change that aimed to expand democratic participation by allowing younger citizens who are often affected by political decisions to have a say in the electoral process.

The other options do not align with this constitutional requirement. For instance, 16 and older or 21 and older do not meet the established voting age of 18, while 25 and older again exceeds the minimum age needed for voting. Understanding the constitutional framework allows citizens to grasp the importance of participation in elections starting from age 18, reinforcing civic engagement among young adults.

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