Lori Meadows
International students' voting rights vary from country to country. In the US, only US citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections, which means most international students are unable to vote. However, some areas allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, and international students may be able to vote in elections for student government at their educational institution. In the UK, the right to vote in national and local elections varies, with some foreign nationals allowed to vote in devolved elections in Scotland and Wales, and local elections in England and Northern Ireland.
Are international students allowed to vote?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | US |
| Allowed to vote? | No, unless they have dual citizenship |
| Country | UK |
| Allowed to vote? | Yes, if they are legally resident foreign nationals and are registering for devolved elections in Scotland and Wales or local elections in England and Northern Ireland |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US
While international students cannot vote in US elections, they may be eligible to vote in elections for student government at their university. For example, at the University of South Florida (USF), international students can vote in elections affecting the institution's community. Additionally, international students can still engage civically in other ways, such as through community-engaged learning programs, offerings on and off-campus, or by working through democratic processes in the school or community.
It is important to note that each state in the US has its own voter ID rules, so international students interested in voting in student government elections should check the specific requirements for their state and university. In California, for instance, voters may need to provide their California driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security Number.
While most international students in the US cannot vote in federal, state, or local elections, there may be exceptions for those with dual citizenship. Some areas in the US allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, so it is worth checking the specific rules for the state in which you are residing or studying.
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US citizens abroad
US citizens who are living or travelling abroad can vote in US federal elections by absentee ballot. This applies to US citizens aged 18 or older, and in some states, citizens who are 17 but will be 18 by Election Day. To vote from abroad, US citizens must submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to their local election officials each year, or at least 45 days before an election. The FPCA acts as a registration and absentee ballot request form. Once the FPCA is received, local officials will confirm the citizen's eligibility to vote, put their name on a list to receive absentee ballots for any elections held that calendar year, and send a blank absentee ballot by mail, fax, or email. US citizens can also register and vote from abroad through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website.
US citizens living abroad can vote for federal office candidates in US primary and general elections. Some states also allow citizens living abroad to vote for local and state office candidates and on referendums. US citizens who were born abroad and have never lived in the US may be eligible to vote depending on the last residence of their parents.
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Foreign nationals in the UK
In the UK, the right to vote in national and local elections may vary depending on the region. In Scotland and Wales, foreign nationals, including EU citizens, can register to vote in devolved elections. This includes local council elections and elections to the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments. In Wales, all legally resident foreign nationals can register to vote for Senedd Cymru and local elections, but the voting age remains 18 for these elections.
In England and Northern Ireland, the eligibility criteria for foreign nationals to vote in local elections are more restricted. Citizens of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Spain who are resident in the UK and have valid permission to enter or stay can register to vote. Additionally, citizens of any other EU country who were legally resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 and have remained resident without a break can also register.
It's important to note that international students must meet certain criteria to be eligible to vote in UK elections. They must be 18 years or older on polling day, be resident at a UK address, and meet the specific eligibility requirements based on their nationality and citizenship status.
To vote in a UK election, eligible individuals must register to vote by the deadline. They can choose to vote by post or in person, but they will need to allow extra time for the necessary paperwork. Voters are also required to present accepted photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, at the polling station.
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US voter ID rules
Voter ID rules vary across the United States, with each state setting its own regulations. However, most states require voters to present some form of identification when voting in person. It is crucial for individuals to familiarize themselves with the specific voter ID rules in their state before heading to their designated polling station.
In the past, certain states' voter ID laws have been challenged and struck down by federal courts. For instance, by the end of August 2017, federal courts overturned voter ID laws in Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, citing concerns about discrimination and the infringement of voting rights.
Despite the varying state-by-state requirements, there are some general guidelines for voter ID rules in the US. Firstly, individuals must be registered to vote by their state's voter registration deadline, although North Dakota does not mandate voter registration. Secondly, non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, are generally ineligible to vote in federal, state, and most local elections, although some areas allow non-citizens to vote in local elections exclusively. Additionally, individuals with felony convictions or those currently serving time for other types of crimes may face voting restrictions, and these rules differ across states.
It is important to note that eligible voters can vote for any candidate, regardless of their political affiliation or previous voting history. US citizens residing outside of the country can participate in elections through absentee voting, provided they have registered at least 45 days beforehand. Furthermore, US citizens who have never lived in the US may be eligible to vote based on the state where their parents last lived or were registered to vote.
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Voting rights in US territories
International students are generally not allowed to vote in US elections. Only US citizens are eligible to vote, meaning that most international students are unable to do so. However, people with dual citizenship in the US are allowed to vote, and US citizens studying abroad can vote via absentee voting.
Now, turning to the topic of voting rights in US territories, there is a growing consensus among residents of US territories that statehood would be a positive change, as it would grant them full and equal voting rights and representation. This includes residents of Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and other US territories, who are currently unable to vote for the President in the general election.
The US has held territories throughout its history, and many current states started as territories before being granted statehood. For example, Hawaii and Alaska were granted statehood in 1959. Currently, the US occupies sixteen territories, five of which have permanent inhabitants: Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands.
If a US territory were to be granted statehood, the country's institutions would need to be updated to provide representation for these citizens. In Congress, the Senate would expand to accommodate two Senators from each new state. The number of voting members in the House of Representatives would also need to be adjusted. The Electoral College would change as well, as new states would be allocated votes based on their representation in Congress.
There have been efforts to address the issue of voting rights in US territories. For instance, Equally American is working with leaders in US territories on a new constitutional amendment that builds on the 23rd Amendment (DC voting rights) to end political disenfranchisement based on residency. This amendment proposes granting US territories proportional voting representation in the House of Representatives and the ability to elect a US Senator to represent them collectively.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students are not allowed to vote in US elections. Only US citizens are eligible to vote in US elections, although some areas allow non-citizens to vote in local elections.
International students, including EU citizens, can register to vote in devolved elections in Scotland and Wales. In England and Northern Ireland, citizens of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Spain who are residents in the UK can register to vote in local elections.
Yes, international students can encourage their peers, friends, and family members who are eligible to vote to register and vote. They can also attend events and talks on campus to learn about the different candidates and how their policies might affect them.
