How Old Do You Have to Be to Vote in the United States?
Learn the age to vote in U.S. federal elections and how preregistration and primary age rules can differ.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Vote in the United States?
Voter information guide | U.S. English | Last reviewed: November 2, 2026
This article describes general election information, not individualized legal advice. Because rules can change, verify official instructions for your state and county before acting.
At a glance
Learn the age to vote in U.S. federal elections and how preregistration and primary age rules can differ.
The federal voting age is 18
For U.S. federal general elections, eligible citizens generally must be at least 18 on or before Election Day. The Twenty-Sixth Amendment prevents governments from denying or abridging the right to vote on account of age for citizens 18 or older. Being 18, however, does not replace citizenship, residence, or registration requirements. State election offices explain how these conditions apply in their jurisdictions. An 18th birthday after Election Day does not make someone eligible to cast a federal general-election ballot early.
Can you register before your eighteenth birthday?
Often yes. Many states allow eligible younger citizens to preregister, and some allow a person to submit a registration application before turning 18 if the person will reach 18 by the relevant election. Minimum preregistration ages vary. For example, California permits qualifying 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister and activates the registration at age 18. A teen should use the state’s official rules and avoid assuming that a school voter-drive form guarantees active registration.
What about 17-year-olds voting in primaries?
Some states permit a 17-year-old to vote in a primary when the person will be 18 by the corresponding general election. Others do not. The rule may differ by primary type or political affiliation. A national answer without the voter’s state and election is therefore incomplete. Contact the state election agency for eligibility and deadlines before arriving at a primary site. The general-election voting-age rule and primary exceptions belong in separate explanations.
Age is only one eligibility requirement
USAGov lists citizenship, residency, voting age, and registration as core federal-election eligibility elements. Additional state-specific rules can involve certain convictions and other lawful qualifications. An eligible voter experiencing homelessness may still meet residency requirements without a conventional permanent housing address, according to USAGov. Conversely, lawful permanent residency alone does not grant permission to vote in federal elections. Always ask the election office to clarify an unusual personal circumstance rather than relying on informal advice.
How to check before an election
If you will be 18 by Election Day, confirm the state’s preregistration or registration process and check your record through an official lookup. If you are still 17, check whether any relevant primary exception applies. Families can help locate forms without entering inaccurate eligibility answers on a teenager’s behalf. Do not give out identification numbers to third-party websites or treat a political campaign’s sign-up as official voter registration.
For students and first-time voters
A student who lives away from family may have questions about residency, absentee voting, and which address is appropriate. Those are separate from the age rule. Consult the election offices involved rather than registering in two locations and trying to vote twice. First-time voters should also review any ID requirements that apply to their registration method. A school civics class, campus organization, or family member may help locate official resources, but accurate eligibility answers remain the applicant’s responsibility.
Questions readers often ask
How old must you be to vote for president?
Generally 18 by the federal general-election date, plus the other eligibility requirements.
Can a 16-year-old preregister?
In some states, including California, yes. Other states use different rules.
Can a 17-year-old vote in a primary?
Some states allow it if the voter will be 18 by the general election; check state law.
Does turning 18 automatically register me?
Not generally. Some preregistration systems activate a prior valid application, but always check your status.
Can a green card holder vote at age 18?
Age does not override citizenship rules for federal elections. Permanent residents cannot vote federally.
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