Douglas Olsen
In the United States, only citizens are eligible to vote in elections, which means that international students are generally unable to vote. However, US citizens who are studying abroad retain their right to vote and can do so via absentee voting or online in some countries. Each state has its own voter ID rules, and voters are typically required to bring some form of ID to vote in person. For instance, Californian students living outside the state can choose to register to vote using their home address or their address while at school.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can vote in US elections? | Only US citizens are eligible to vote in US elections. |
| Who cannot vote in US elections? | Most international students will be unable to vote in US elections. |
| Who else can vote? | People with dual citizenship in the US are allowed to vote. |
| US citizens studying abroad | Can vote via absentee voting. |
| US citizens who have never lived in the US | May be eligible to vote depending on which state their parents lived in. |
| US citizens studying in California | Can register to vote using the Federal Post Card Application or the California Online Voter Registration system. |
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What You'll Learn
International students with dual US citizenship can vote
International students who are US citizens can vote in US elections, including in Massachusetts. US citizens carry their right to vote with them, even when studying abroad. Voter ID rules vary by state, so it is important to check the specific requirements for Massachusetts.
If you are a US citizen studying in Massachusetts, you can choose to register to vote using your home address or your address in the state. You can only register to vote in one state, and Massachusetts allows absentee voting for citizens who are unable to vote in person.
It is important to be aware of registration deadlines, as they vary by state. For example, in California, voters must be registered at least 15 days before Election Day. In Massachusetts, the deadline for registering to vote by mail is 20 days before the election, and voters must submit their applications by mail or in person to their local election office.
International students with dual US citizenship can get involved in the electoral process in other ways, such as by educating themselves about the US election system and attending election-related events on campus. They can also connect with other students to discuss the leadership selection process in their home countries and learn more about politics and government in the US and worldwide.
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Voter ID rules vary by state
Only US citizens are eligible to vote in US elections. This means that, unfortunately, most international students are unable to vote. However, people with dual citizenship in the US are allowed to vote.
As of June 2025, 36 states required voters to present some form of identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day. Of these states, 23 required voters to present identification containing a photograph, and 13 did not explicitly require photo identification. The remaining 14 states did not require voters to present identification.
Valid forms of identification differ by state. In certain states that require voters to provide identification, there may be exceptions that allow some voters to cast a ballot without providing an ID. Commonly accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, and military identification cards. Some states may also accept a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
Even if you do not have a form of ID that your state asks for, you may still be able to vote. Some states allow voters to cast provisional ballots if they do not have the required identification. This means that the state will keep your ballot separate until they can investigate your eligibility. You may have to return to show an acceptable form of ID within a few days, or the ballot will not count.
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US citizens can vote abroad
International students are not eligible to vote in US elections unless they have dual citizenship in the US. However, US citizens can vote from abroad by absentee voting. This applies to US citizens aged 18 or older living abroad, who can vote absentee for federal office candidates in US primary and general elections.
The process for absentee voting is as follows:
- Submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to your local election officials each year, or at least 45 days before an election.
- Local officials will confirm your eligibility to vote, place your name on a list to receive absentee ballots, and send you a blank absentee ballot.
- Return your completed ballot by mail, fax, email, or in person at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
It is important to note that some states have different requirements for absentee voting, so it is recommended to check the specific instructions for your state. For example, ballots are usually sent out 30 days before primary, special, and run-off elections, but this may vary depending on your state and status abroad. Additionally, some states allow US citizens living abroad to vote for local and state office candidates and on referendums.
Voting for federal candidates will not affect your federal or state tax liability. However, voting for state or local candidates could potentially impact your state tax liability.
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Non-US citizens can't vote
Only US citizens are eligible to vote in US elections, which means that most international students are unable to vote. Each state has its own voter ID rules, but most require voters to bring some form of ID with them to vote in person. This means that non-US citizens, including international students, cannot vote in US elections in Massachusetts or any other state. However, US citizens who are studying abroad, including those who have never lived in the US, can vote via absentee voting, provided they have registered at least 45 days before the election. Additionally, some states, like California, allow students living temporarily outside the US to register to vote using the Federal Post Card Application or the state's online voter registration system. Therefore, while non-US citizens cannot vote, there are options available for US citizens who are studying abroad or living outside the country to cast their votes.
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Californians can use Same Day Voter Registration
Only US citizens are eligible to vote in US elections, so most international students are unable to vote. However, people with dual citizenship in the US are allowed to vote. If you are a US citizen who is currently studying abroad, you can vote via absentee voting, as long as you registered at least 45 days prior to the election. If you are a US citizen but have never lived in the US, you might be eligible to vote depending on which state your parents lived in.
Now, for Californians who are eligible to vote, the state offers Same Day Voter Registration, also known as Conditional Voter Registration in state law. This is a safety net for Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration information for an election. Eligible citizens who need to register or re-register to vote within 14 days of an election can complete this process to register and vote at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Their ballots will be processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.
To register, you can pick up a paper voter registration application at your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or US post office. It is important that your voter registration application be filled out completely and be postmarked or hand-delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election. The voter registration application asks for your driver's license or California identification card number, or you can use the last four numbers of your Social Security card. If you do not have a driver's license, California identification card, or Social Security card, you may leave that space blank.
Additionally, if you are 16 or 17 years old, you can use the online registration application to pre-register to vote. If you are a Californian living away from home while attending college, trade school, or technical school, or if you are a voter living temporarily outside the United States, you can find more information on the California Secretary of State website.
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Frequently asked questions
No, only US citizens are eligible to vote in US elections. However, people with dual citizenship in the US are allowed to vote.
International students can attend events and talks on campus to learn about the different candidates and their policies. They can also remind their friends who are eligible to vote to exercise their right.
Yes, international students can vote and even run for office in student elections.
Each state has its own voter ID rules. Voters in Massachusetts need to bring some form of ID with them to vote in person.
