What is the voting age in the United States?
In the United States, citizens 18 years of age or older are eligible to vote in federal elections. This has been the case since 1971, when the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed, which states that the right to vote cannot be denied or abridged based on age. However, each state also has its own laws about the voting age, and some states allow 17-year-olds to vote in certain elections, as long as they will be 18 by the time of the general election. In Virginia, the voting age is 18 and voters are required to be registered at least twenty-five days prior to the election date. Additionally, 17-year-olds may pre-register to vote if they will be 18 by the next general election. To be eligible to vote in Virginia, you must be a U.S. citizen, must not have been convicted of a felony or judged mentally incompetent by a court, and must not have been declared ineligible to vote because of a court order. In order to register to vote in Virginia, you must provide proof of identity, date of birth and current residence. Once all necessary information is provided and verified, your registration is complete and you will be eligible to cast your vote in all relevant elections.
Related FAQs
What is the difference between a direct and indirect election?What are the rules regarding write-in candidates?
How do I register to vote?
What is the role of the Federal Elections Commission?
What are the rules for early voting?
How are delegates chosen?
What is the role of the state legislatures in the election process?
How does the electoral system ensure that votes are properly counted?
What are the rules for write-in candidates?
What is the process for recounts and contesting election results?
Related Blog Posts
What Are the Basics of Election Law? - July 31, 2023Understanding Your Right to Vote Under Election Law - August 7, 2023
Navigating Election Laws: A Guide for Candidates - August 14, 2023
Election Law and the Electoral College – What You Need to Know - August 21, 2023
An Overview of Election Laws and How They Impact a Voter's Rights - August 28, 2023