Which amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18?

• A. 24th Amendment
• B. 25th Amendment
• C. 26th Amendment
• D. 27th Amendment

Answer: (C)

Understanding how voting rights are defined by constitutional amendments helps explain this question. The amendment that lowered the voting age to 18 was ratified in 1971, setting the nationwide minimum voting age at 18 for all elections. This change reflected the idea that if 18-year-olds could be drafted for military service, they should also have a say in elections. It made 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds eligible to vote nationwide, aligning voting rights with other adult responsibilities. Other amendments mentioned address different topics: one banned poll taxes in federal elections, another outlines presidential succession and disability, and another concerns congressional pay. None of these alter the voting age.