Which amendment granted 18-year-olds the right to vote?

• A. The 21st Amendment
• B. The 19th Amendment
• C. The 26th Amendment
• D. The 23rd Amendment

Answer: (C)

The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution specifically lowered the voting age to 18 years. Ratified in 1971, this amendment was largely influenced by the arguments and activism surrounding the Vietnam War, where many young Americans were being drafted into military service but lacked the right to vote on matters that directly affected them. Advocates argued that if individuals were old enough to fight for their country, they should also have the right to participate in the democratic process. As a result, the 26th Amendment ensures that citizens who are 18 years or older cannot be denied the right to vote based solely on their age. The other amendments mentioned do not address the voting age or specifically extend voting rights to 18-year-olds.