What are voter registration requirements?

The correct answer identifies the essential criteria that individuals must meet to register to vote in the United States. Being a U.S. citizen is fundamental because voting is a right reserved for citizens; this ensures that only those who have allegiance to the country can participate in its political processes. The requirement to be at least 18 years old ensures that voters have reached an age where they are considered adults and capable of making informed decisions about governance. Additionally, requiring residency in the state where an individual votes is crucial, as it ensures that voters are representative of the community in which they live and will be directly affected by local legislation and elections.

This establishes a fair voting process where individuals have a vested interest in the political decisions made within their own community and state. Other options contain either age requirements that do not align with the national standard (such as 21 years old) or unnecessary stipulations (like having a job or possessing a driver's license) that do not pertain to voter registration criteria established by law.