Voting Rights: International Students' Political Voice

International students often face restrictions on their voting rights, with their ability to vote varying depending on the country and type of election. In the United States, for instance, international students are generally not allowed to vote in federal elections, as this right is reserved for US citizens. However, they may be able to vote in elections for student governments or campus offices, and some states allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. Similarly, in the UK, while international students may not have the right to vote in general elections, they can influence the activities and policies within their universities by running for and voting in student union elections.

Are International Students Allowed to Vote?

International students in the US cannot vote in federal elections

International students in the US are not permitted to vote in federal elections. Only US citizens are eligible to vote in US federal elections, which means that most international students are unable to do so. However, US law does allow some non-citizen residents to vote in local elections, and international students can vote in elections for student governments at some universities. For example, at the University of San Francisco (USF), international students can vote in elections affecting the institution's community.

US citizens who are studying abroad can vote via absentee voting, provided they registered at least 45 days prior to the election. US citizens who have never lived in the US may also be eligible to vote, depending on the last state their parents lived or were registered to vote in.

Each state has its own voter ID rules, and most will require voters to bring some form of ID with them to vote in person. International students can still get involved in the election process by educating themselves on the issues, attending events and talks, and encouraging eligible voters to cast their ballots.

US citizens living abroad can vote via absentee voting

International students are generally not allowed to vote in US elections, with some exceptions. However, US citizens living abroad can vote via absentee voting. Here's what you need to know about absentee voting for US citizens overseas:

Eligibility

To be eligible to vote absentee, you must be a US citizen who is 18 years or older. In some states, US citizens who were born abroad and have never resided in the US may also be eligible to vote absentee. Check with your local election officials to confirm your eligibility.

Registration and Ballot Request

To vote from abroad, you must register with local election officials in your state of voting residence and request an absentee ballot. You can do both by submitting a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to your local election officials. The FPCA serves as both a voter registration application and an absentee ballot request form.

Submission of FPCA

Submit the FPCA early in the year or at least 45 days before the election. You can obtain the FPCA from the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, US embassies and consulates, or US citizen civic or political groups. Most states allow you to send in your FPCA by mail, fax, or email.

Receiving and Returning the Absentee Ballot

Once your FPCA is processed, you will receive a blank absentee ballot electronically or by mail. Complete and return the ballot before your state's ballot return deadline. If you don't receive your blank ballot 30 days before the election, you can use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot to vote. Remember to submit a new FPCA each year to vote in US elections.

By following these steps, US citizens living abroad can actively participate in US elections and ensure their voices are heard.

Each state has its own voter ID rules

International students in the US cannot vote in federal elections, as this is reserved for US citizens only. However, international students can vote in some local elections, as well as in elections for student government. For example, at the University of Michigan, international students can run for and vote in elections for the Central Student Government and Rackham Student Government. Similarly, at the University of South Florida, international students are eligible to vote in elections for student government.

In California, students can register to vote at their school address, even if they do not plan to reside there permanently. They can also register or remain registered at their permanent address in California or outside of the state, such as their parent or guardian's house. A separate mailing address can be set up to receive absentee ballots and other election-related forms at their campus address. This allows students to cast their ballot at school for elections taking place in their home state.

It is important to note that voting rules vary by state, and some people may not be able to vote after a felony conviction or while serving time for other crimes. Additionally, US citizens residing in US territories cannot vote for the president in the general election. Students can check with their state or local election office or refer to the guide from vote.gov to understand the specific laws and requirements in their state.

International students can vote in student government elections

International students in the United States are not eligible to vote in federal, state, or local elections. This is because voting in these elections is restricted to US citizens, and some areas also allow non-citizens to vote in local elections only. However, international students can vote in student government elections at their respective universities. For instance, international students at the University of Michigan can vote in elections for U-M's Central Student Government and Rackham Student Government. Similarly, international students at the University of South Florida (USF) are eligible to vote in elections for student government.

Voting is an important way for students to get involved and make their voices heard. By voting in student government elections, international students can actively participate in the democratic process and influence the decisions that directly impact their student experience. It is a way to encourage civic engagement and create a sense of community within the student body.

To vote in student government elections, international students should check with their university's student government or elections office to understand the specific requirements and procedures. Each university may have its own rules and eligibility criteria for student government elections. It is essential for international students to be aware of these details to ensure they can successfully cast their votes.

Additionally, international students can get involved in other ways, such as by running for positions within student organizations or participating in community-engaged learning programs. They can also encourage their peers, friends, and family members who are eligible to vote in national or local elections to register and exercise their right to vote. By staying informed about the issues and candidates, international students can actively contribute to campus conversations and deepen their understanding of the political landscape in their host country.

International students can influence campus conversations

International students in the US cannot vote in federal or state elections, which are reserved for US citizens. However, international students can still participate in campus conversations and influence the activities, policies, and climate at their universities. For instance, international students at the University of Michigan can run for elected positions within student organizations, such as U-M's Central Student Government and Rackham Student Government. They can also vote in elections for student government at the University of South Florida (USF).

By engaging in campus conversations, international students can learn about the issues that affect higher education and connect with others in the campus community. They can also encourage their peers, friends, and family members who are eligible to vote to register and cast their ballots. Additionally, international students can educate themselves about the US election system and the purpose of general elections. Understanding the US political system and the importance of voting can help international students appreciate US culture and politics better.

International students can also get involved by attending events and talks on campus to learn about the different candidates' promises and how their policies might affect them as university students. They can also remind their friends who are eligible to vote to turn out and vote. By staying informed and encouraging others to participate in the democratic process, international students can influence campus conversations and contribute to their university communities.

Furthermore, international students can take advantage of community-engaged learning programs and other offerings on and off campus to stay civically engaged. They can also work through democratic processes in their schools or communities to make their voices heard. For example, international students at USF can register to vote on campus and participate in elections affecting their institution's community. By registering to vote, students send a message that they want new policies and change, reflecting their belief that they are part of the world and can create change through political participation.

Frequently asked questions