With a national voting age of 18, almost every college student can vote. But if you're away at school for most of the year and living far from home, how and where are you supposed to vote?
The "how" question is relatively simple: You cast your vote either in person, through early voting or by absentee ballot. But the question of "where" depends on several factors, including the laws of the state where you're registered (or hoping to register).
With Election Day fast approaching, the deadline for registering to vote is just around the corner for many jurisdictions. Here's what college students need to know about voting away from home:
Are You Eligible to Vote?
Eligibility to vote is similar in most states. U.S. citizens who are at least 18 are allowed to vote in the state where they live. Typically this means where your home address is located. In some cases, however, you can opt to use your campus address instead. Note that any restrictions you have against voting at your home address also apply to other places you may vote instead. For example, many states impose restrictions on the voting rights of convicted felons in certain cases — a controversial issue that the ACLU has called attention to.
Which Address Should You Use?
Where you live is determined by your address. The mailbox where you receive packages at exam time may be enough to vote in the state or city where you go to college.
Each state has residency requirements for voting, so check with your state voting agency or county elections office to find out what they are. If you've lived in the state long enough, then you're eligible to register where you go to school. If you've moved within a state or within a county, in some cases you can just call or go online to update your registration.
Alternatively, you can remain registered in the state where your parents or guardians live, if you still claim their address as your permanent residence. Some states now have early voting where you can either vote early at specific polling locations or place your ballot in a drop box. With these options you can vote in your home state before you leave for school. Or maybe your state has only mail in voting for elections.
If your state doesn’t have any of these options make sure you complete an absentee ballot application if needed and then mail your absentee ballot early so that it gets to your home jurisdiction in time. This is especially important for overseas voters as the mail process can take longer.
What you can't do is register to vote in multiple localities. That is voter fraud, which has become a focus of national attention, and the penalties can be severe.
When Is the Registration Deadline?
Once you've decided where you're eligible to vote and which address you'll use, you'll need to register before the deadline.
Just like residency requirements, each state has its own deadlines for registering to vote. Those deadlines range from same-day registration to 30 days before the election. (This year's Election Day is November 5, 2024, so you may want to get moving if you want to participate in the national, state, and local elections)
There is a registration form online and for some states this is found on their DMV website. You may also have the option to register when you obtain or renew your driver’s license. This is also known as “motor voter”.
Frequently Asked Questions for First Time Voters
- Once you're registered, make sure you know where your polling location is. Some states allow (or even require) vote by mail, but others make you visit actual voting sites.
- Many states now have photo id requirements at polling places so make sure to have your driver’s license or other id with you when you arrive.
- If you have any disabilities and need additional assistance at the polls be sure to ask a poll worker for help.
- If English is not your first language many jurisdictions are required to have alternative materials available for you to use.
- If there is a question when you arrive concerning your polling location you may be able to cast a provisional ballot until that is determined.
Just because you're a college student living at school doesn't mean your vote is any less important. Have your voice be heard as a registered voter by casting your vote in the upcoming elections no matter where you live.
Related Resources:
- Time Off for Voting and Jury Duty (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Want to Vote? Update Your Voter Registration (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Voting in College (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
