International Students And Voting Rights: Who Can Vote?

International students who are studying in a country of which they are not citizens often wonder whether they are eligible to vote in local or national elections. While international students are not permitted to vote in national elections in many countries, they may be able to participate in other ways, such as by voting in student elections or running for office in student organizations. In the United States, for example, only US citizens are eligible to vote in national elections, but international students can still engage with the political process by learning about the US election system, discussing the issues with classmates and friends, and encouraging eligible voters to go out and vote.

Can international students vote?

International students in the US cannot vote in federal elections

Each state has its own voter ID rules, but most require voters to bring some form of ID with them to vote in person. It is important to check the voter ID rules in your state before going to the polling station. While international students cannot vote in federal elections, they can still participate in other ways. They can educate themselves about the US election system, the timeline, and why voting is a fundamental part of US democracy. They can also engage in campus-based initiatives and join politically-oriented student organizations to deepen their understanding of US politics and connect with others.

International students can also run for office and vote in student elections, which provides an opportunity to influence policies and activities within the student community. They can discuss issues that affect higher education and international students specifically, as well as learn about the different candidates and their policies. Additionally, international students can remind their friends who are eligible to vote to exercise their right and encourage them to get involved.

It is worth noting that some off-campus engagement activities may be problematic for international students with sensitive immigration statuses. Any activity that requires registration with identification documentation could potentially expose their status. However, international students can still serve as uncompensated volunteers for a campaign or political party, as long as they do not serve in a decision-making capacity. By understanding the regulations and risks involved, international students can safely engage and contribute to the political process in the US without directly voting in federal elections.

Non-US citizens can participate in campus conversations about elections

While non-US citizens and international students cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections in the US, there are still many ways to participate in campus conversations about elections. Firstly, educating yourself about the US election system, the purpose of general elections, and why voting is fundamental to US democracy is essential. Seek out legitimate, non-partisan news sources and factual information rather than relying solely on social media or opinion pieces. Understanding the US political system and its importance will enable you to have meaningful conversations with your classmates and friends about their views on candidates and the issues that matter to them.

Another way to engage is by connecting with your American peers and sharing information about elections and leadership selection processes in your home country. You can discuss how leaders are chosen, the duration of their terms, and the systems of government. This exchange will not only deepen your understanding of US politics but also provide your American peers with valuable insights into political processes in other parts of the world. Additionally, keep an eye out for on-campus opportunities to engage with political parties, voter registration efforts, election viewing parties, and politically oriented student organizations, which often welcome new members.

For those with sensitive immigration statuses, be cautious when considering off-campus engagement activities. Some activities, such as canvassing or those requiring registration with identification documentation, may unintentionally expose your status. However, according to the US Federal Elections Commission, foreign nationals can participate in certain ways. For example, they can serve as uncompensated volunteers for a campaign or political party, provided they do not hold a decision-making position within the committee. This means attending campaign strategy meetings and events is allowed, but management involvement is not.

Lastly, international students can run for and vote in student government elections, allowing them to directly influence campus policies and activities. By participating in these ways, non-US citizens can actively engage in campus conversations about elections, gain a deeper understanding of US politics and culture, and contribute to the diversity of perspectives in the campus community.

International students can run for office and vote in student elections

International students in the United States cannot vote in U.S. elections. However, they are often eligible to vote in elections for student government at their university. For example, at the University of San Francisco (USF), international students can vote in student government elections.

While international students cannot vote in U.S. elections, there are still many ways they can participate in the democratic process and engage with politics. For instance, international students can educate themselves about the U.S. election system, the purpose of general elections, and why voting is a fundamental part of U.S. culture. They can also talk to members of the campus community who are eligible to vote and learn about issues that affect higher education and international students.

Additionally, international students can encourage their student peers, friends, and family members who are eligible to register to vote and remind them to cast their ballots. They can also attend events and talks on campus to learn about the different candidates and how their policies might affect them as university students.

It is important to note that each state and territory in the U.S. has its own rules for registering to vote, so international students interested in participating in student government elections should check the specific requirements of their university and state. They can usually register to vote using their college address, either on or off campus, and use a campus mailbox as their mailing address.

US citizens living abroad can vote via absentee voting

International students cannot vote in U.S. elections. However, US citizens living abroad can vote via absentee voting.

US citizens living abroad must submit a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) each year to vote in US elections. This can be done through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, which guides voters through the process. The FPCA can also be obtained from US embassies and consulates worldwide or from US citizen civic or political groups. It is important to submit the FPCA early in the year or at least 45 days before an election to allow time to process the request. Once approved, the voter's name will be added to a list to receive absentee ballots.

After approval, US citizens abroad will receive a blank ballot from their state either electronically or by mail 45 days before the November general elections. For primary, special, and runoff elections, ballots are typically mailed out 30 days in advance. If a voter does not receive their blank ballot 30 days before an election, they can use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot to vote.

Most US citizens aged 18 or older who reside outside the US are eligible to vote absentee for federal office candidates in US primary and general elections. Additionally, some states allow overseas citizens to vote for state and local office candidates and referendums. US citizens who were born abroad but have never resided in the US may be eligible to vote absentee, depending on the state where their parents last lived or were registered to vote.

It is important to note that voting for candidates for federal offices does not affect an individual's federal or state tax liability. In contrast, voting for candidates for state or local offices could impact their state tax liability. Therefore, it is recommended to consult legal counsel for specific situations.

US citizens with dual citizenship are eligible to vote in US elections

US federal law dictates that only US citizens are eligible to vote in US elections, which means that most international students are unable to vote. However, US citizens with dual citizenship are eligible to vote in US elections. This applies to dual citizens living in the US and abroad.

US dual citizenship can be acquired in several ways. One way is through birthright, or the doctrine of "jus soli," meaning "the right of soil." If you are born on US soil, you are a US citizen regardless of your parent's nationality. Another way to acquire US citizenship through birth is via the doctrine of "jus sanguinis," or "the right of blood." This means that if one or both of your parents are US citizens, you are also a US citizen, even if you were born outside the US. However, there are residency requirements for parents in this case. To qualify for citizenship through "jus sanguinis," you must also be born "in wedlock." This means that your parents must be legally married to each other at the time of your birth or within 300 days of the end of the marriage by death or divorce. Finally, US citizenship can be acquired through the naturalization process, which involves meeting permanent residency requirements, exhibiting proficiency in English, and understanding US history and government.

If you are a US citizen with dual citizenship living abroad, you can vote via absentee voting. You will need to complete an official overseas voter registration and ballot request form. This is also an option for US citizens without dual citizenship living abroad. Your eligibility to vote in this case is based on the state where your parents last lived or were registered to vote.

It's important to note that each state has its own voter ID rules, so it's recommended to check the specific requirements for your state before voting.

Frequently asked questions