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

Citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote for President in the United States. This requirement is established by the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1971, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. The rationale behind this amendment was to ensure that younger citizens, particularly those who were being drafted to serve in the military during the Vietnam War, had a voice in the political process. As a result, at 18, citizens gain not only the right to vote but also the responsibility that comes with voting in federal elections, including the presidential election. This standard is consistent across all states, including Oregon, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement and participation among younger adults.