Who is eligible to vote in the United States?

The eligibility to vote in the United States is primarily determined by citizenship and age. Citizens who are at least 18 years old are granted the right to vote in elections at the federal, state, and local levels. This age requirement aligns with the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1971, ensuring that young adults who have reached the age of majority can participate in the democratic process.

This emphasis on citizenship is crucial because it ensures that voters have a legal stake in the governance of the country and that they have fulfilled any obligations, such as residency requirements, which can vary by state. Other groups described in the options do not meet these essential criteria for voting. Permanent residents, individuals with driver's licenses, and even military personnel may not be eligible unless they also hold citizenship. Therefore, the condition of being a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old is the foundation of voting rights in the United States.