Voting Age vs Voting Eligible Population Explained
Short answer
The voting age sets the minimum legal age to vote, typically 18 in the U.S., while the voting eligible population (VEP) includes all citizens who meet voting requirements, excluding ineligible groups like some felons and non-citizens. Understanding both helps clarify voter participation and eligibility in elections.
What Does “Voting Age” Mean?
The voting age is the legal minimum age a person must reach to be eligible to vote. In the U.S., this age is currently 18, established nationwide by constitutional amendment. This means anyone younger than 18 cannot legally vote in federal or state elections. The voting age is a clear, straightforward rule that applies uniformly across the country.
It is important to understand that the voting age alone does not grant the right to vote; the individual must also meet other legal requirements, such as citizenship and residency. The voting age simply defines the age threshold. For example, a 17-year-old U.S. citizen is below the voting age and cannot vote, while an 18-year-old non-citizen is above the voting age but may not be eligible to vote.
This age rule is separate from other legal age definitions, such as the age of majority, which affects contracts and legal adulthood. For more on this distinction, see Voting Age vs Age of Majority: What’s the Difference?.
What Is the Voting Eligible Population (VEP)?
The voting eligible population (VEP) includes all citizens who are legally allowed to vote. This group consists of people who have reached the voting age and meet other eligibility criteria, such as citizenship and absence of legal voting restrictions. For example, non-citizens, certain felons (depending on state laws), and those declared mentally incapacitated by courts are excluded from the VEP.
Unlike the simpler voting age population, which counts everyone above the legal voting age regardless of voting rights, the VEP is a more precise measure of who can actually participate in elections. This helps election officials and analysts better understand voter turnout by focusing on those legally permitted to vote.
For instance, if a state has 1 million residents over 18 but 100,000 are non-citizens and 50,000 have felony disenfranchisement, the VEP would be 850,000. Knowing this helps avoid misleading turnout percentages based on the broader age population.
How Do Voting Age and Voting Eligible Population Differ?
| Feature | Voting Age | Voting Eligible Population (VEP) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Minimum legal age to vote | Citizens legally permitted to vote |
| Includes | Everyone above the voting age | Citizens above voting age, excluding ineligible |
| Excludes | No exclusions based on status | Non-citizens, some felons, others legally barred |
| Purpose | Legal eligibility based on age only | Accurate measure of who can vote |
| Use in Analysis | Sets basic voter eligibility | Used to calculate voter turnout and engagement |
| Changes Based On | Constitutional or legislative changes | Changes in citizenship, legal restrictions, laws |
This table shows that voting age is a simple age cutoff, whereas the VEP accounts for legal eligibility factors. This distinction matters when interpreting election data or discussing voting rights.
Who Should Use Each Term?
The term “voting age” is best when discussing legal age requirements for voting. For example, debates about lowering the voting age to 16 focus on changing this legal threshold. It is relevant for lawmakers, educators, and voters interested in age qualifications.
The “voting eligible population” is more useful when analyzing voter turnout or comparing participation rates across regions or groups. It provides a clearer picture by focusing on those who are legally allowed to vote rather than all people over 18. Election officials, political analysts, journalists, and advocates use this term to assess election engagement accurately.
For example, a news article about voter turnout might say, “Turnout was 65% of the voting eligible population,” reflecting those who could legally vote, rather than the larger group simply over the voting age. For further context, see Voting Age in the US: What You Need to Know.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Choosing Which Term to Use?
Before deciding which term to use, consider these questions:
- Are you focusing on the legal age requirement or on who can actually vote?
- Is your goal to explain election rules or analyze voter turnout and participation?
- Do you need to include factors like citizenship or felony disenfranchisement?
- Are you comparing voting eligibility across different areas or demographic groups?
If your focus is on legal qualifications, use “voting age.” If analyzing participation, turnout, or election statistics, use “voting eligible population.” This distinction ensures clarity in communication.
How Can the Voting Age or Voting Eligible Population Change Over Time?
The voting age can only change through constitutional or legislative action. For example, a constitutional amendment or state law change could raise or lower the voting age. Changing the voting age is a complex legal process requiring significant public and political support.
The voting eligible population changes more frequently and naturally over time. Factors that affect the VEP include:
- Changes in citizenship status, such as new citizens through naturalization
- Changes in state voting laws, like restoring voting rights to felons
- Population shifts due to migration or demographic trends
For example, if a state restores voting rights to people with felony convictions once they complete their sentences, the VEP increases without any change to the voting age. These shifts affect election turnout calculations and voter registration efforts.
Can People Move Between These Categories?
Individuals transition from being below the voting age to above it simply by aging. However, being above the voting age does not guarantee inclusion in the voting eligible population.
Examples:
- A 19-year-old non-citizen is above the voting age but not part of the VEP.
- A citizen with felony disenfranchisement may be excluded from the VEP despite being over 18.
- If legal restrictions are removed, such as the restoration of voting rights, a person moves into the VEP.
Understanding these distinctions is vital for voter registration drives and outreach. It helps clarify who should be targeted for registration and voter education.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone under the voting age vote in any U.S. elections?
Generally, no. The minimum voting age for federal and most state elections is 18. Some local jurisdictions may allow younger residents to participate in certain elections or primaries, but this is rare and varies by location.
Does the voting eligible population include unregistered voters?
Yes, the VEP counts all citizens who are legally eligible to vote, regardless of whether they have registered. Registration is a separate step that enables participation.
How do felony convictions impact the voting eligible population?
Many states restrict voting rights for people convicted of felonies, either temporarily or permanently. These restrictions reduce the size of the VEP in those states. Laws vary widely, so eligibility depends on the state.
Is the voting age the same for all types of elections?
In most cases, yes. The 18-year voting age applies to federal, state, and most local elections. Some exceptions exist for special local elections, but these are not common.
Why is it helpful to understand the difference between voting age and voting eligible population?
Using the right term helps provide accurate information about who can vote and who actually participates. It prevents misunderstandings about voter turnout and eligibility.