Voting at eighteen
Protects voting rights of citizens eighteen or older from age-based denial by federal or state government.
In Simple, Modern English
Section 1 says neither the United States nor a state can deny or restrict the voting right of a U.S. citizen aged eighteen or older because of age.
Section 2 lets Congress enforce this rule through appropriate laws.
Important Clauses & Details
Section 1: Age protection
The minimum protected age is eighteen, and the provision applies to state as well as federal elections.
Section 2: Enforcement
Congress may legislate to enforce the age-based voting protection.
Why It Was Added
The argument that people old enough to be drafted should be old enough to vote gained force during the Vietnam War. After a Supreme Court ruling produced different age rules for federal and state elections, an amendment established a consistent constitutional protection.
The amendment prevents age-based exclusion of citizens eighteen or older. It does not eliminate all other voting qualifications or prohibit a state from allowing younger voters.
Plain-English study paraphrases summarize the text; they are not verbatim translations. Historical provisions and later changes are identified above. Sources: National Archives and Constitution Annotated.