What was the voting age established by the 26th Amendment?

The 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1971, established 18 years as the minimum voting age for U.S. citizens. This change was driven by a belief that if individuals were old enough to be drafted for military service and fight in wars, then they should also be able to participate in the democratic process by voting. The amendment aimed to ensure that younger citizens had a say in the governance of their country, reflecting the larger societal shift towards recognizing the rights of younger voters. This was particularly relevant during the Vietnam War era, where many argued against the age discrepancy between military service and voting rights. The amendment serves as a crucial milestone in expanding electoral access and protecting the rights of young adults in the United States.