Janice Lozano
Students often face challenges when it comes to voting, and it can be tricky to know how and where to register to vote. In the US, students can usually choose to register to vote in either their hometown or where they attend college, but they can only vote in one place. This decision may depend on residency requirements, and whether the student considers their school residence as their permanent address. Some states allow absentee or mail ballots, meaning students don't need to travel to their hometown polling location. Students should also be aware of the candidates and key issues, with many states providing voter information pamphlets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration | Students can register to vote in their hometown or college address, depending on the state's residency requirements. |
| Registration Address | Students must use a physical address (street address) for registration and cannot use a campus mailbox address. |
| Mailing Address | Students can use a campus mailbox as their mailing address. |
| Registration Options | Students can register online, in-person, by mail, or over the phone, depending on the state. |
| Absentee Voting | Students can request absentee ballots if they cannot vote in person, but this varies by state. |
| Voter Information | Students can receive voter information pamphlets, use online resources, or refer to newspapers for voting guides. |
| Voter Rights | Students with disabilities can receive voting accommodations from the county clerk. |
| Voting Location | Students can vote either at their home address or college address but not both. |
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What You'll Learn
Registering to vote at home or university
If you're a student, you can usually choose to register to vote in either your hometown or where you attend university. This will depend on the residency requirements of your state, country, or territory. You can live in more than one place, but you can only vote in one.
Voter registration address
To register to vote, you need to provide a physical (street) address. This can be your permanent home address or your university address. If you live on campus, you can use the street address of the building where you live. If you live off campus, you can use that address. If you're not sure what address to use, contact your school's civic engagement office or the local election office.
Updating your address
If you're already registered to vote in your hometown, you can update your registration with your university address. If you're registering to vote for the first time, check the residency requirements for voting in your state or territory. You may have to live in your university town for a certain amount of time before you can register there.
Registering to vote
You can register to vote online, in person, by mail, or, in some states, over the phone. If you're registering to vote online, you may need a state-issued ID, such as a driver's license. If you're registering by mail, you may need to fill out and submit a voter registration application.
Voting by mail
If you're registered in your home state but are attending school in another state, you can request an absentee or mail ballot. This means you don't need to travel to your hometown polling location to vote. If you're registered to vote at your university address, you can have the mail ballot sent there.
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Residency requirements
Your voter registration is tied to where you live. As a student, you can usually register to vote in either your hometown or your university town, depending on the residency requirements of your state. You can live in more than one place, but you are only allowed to vote in one.
If you attend college in a different city from your hometown, you will need to decide where to register to vote. You can register to vote at your college address, using the street address of the building where you live, either on or off campus. You can also use a campus mailbox as your mailing address, but not to register. If you are already registered to vote in your hometown, you can update your voter registration with your college address.
If you are going to register to vote in your hometown, use your permanent address in your hometown and your college address as the mailing address on your registration. If you are voting in person in your hometown, you can use a polling place locator to find out where to vote.
Each state has its own guidelines, so check the rules in your state or territory. If you attend college in a different state from your home state, you may need to live in your college town for a certain amount of time before you can register there. You may also need to contact your home county circuit clerk to discuss voting by absentee ballot.
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Registering to vote by mail
As a student, you can usually register to vote in either your hometown or where you attend college, depending on the residency requirements of your state. You can live in more than one place, but you can only vote in one. If you are going to college in a different city than your hometown, you can register to vote using your permanent address in your hometown and use your college address as your mailing address on your registration.
If you are already registered to vote in your hometown, you can update your voter registration with your college address. If you are able to travel to your hometown during early voting or on election day, you can use a polling place locator to find out where to vote.
Some states allow you to request an absentee or mail ballot if you are unable to vote in person or would prefer to vote by mail. Some states hold elections entirely by mail, automatically sending ballots to all registered voters before election day. Each state has its own guidelines, so check your state or territory's rules. You can download and print the National Mail Voter Registration Form for use in every state except New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The form is available in many languages.
To register to vote by mail, you must bring your identification and provide ID information. Check your state's voter ID requirements. You can get an ID card at your state motor vehicle office, even if you do not drive. You will need to pay to get an ID card, but there may be organizations that can help you with ID-related fees.
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Registering to vote in person
First and foremost, confirm your eligibility to vote. This includes meeting the residency requirements for your state, as these vary. For instance, some states may require you to have lived in your college town for a certain period before you can register to vote there. Additionally, if you have a disability, your county clerk can provide voting accommodations and ensure your vote is cast and counted.
Next, determine where you want to register to vote. As a student, you can usually choose between your hometown and your college address, depending on your state's residency requirements. Remember, you can live in multiple places, but you can only vote in one location. If you plan to vote in your hometown, use your permanent address for registration and your college address as the mailing address. If you prefer to vote at your college location, you can use the street address of the building where you reside, whether it's on or off campus. However, do not use a campus mailbox address for registration, although it can be used as your mailing address.
Once you've decided on your voting location, register to vote using the appropriate address. You can register to vote online through vote.gov for federal, state, and local elections. Alternatively, you can update your voter registration via mail, in person at a government facility, or, in some states, over the phone. If you're unsure about which address to use, consult your school's civic engagement office or the local election office.
It's worth noting that some states allow for absentee or mail-in voting if you're unable or prefer not to vote in person. You can request an absentee ballot if you're registered in your home state but are attending school out of state. This allows you to vote remotely without travelling to your hometown polling station. However, registering to vote in more than one state is illegal, so ensure you're only registered in one location.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with the voting process in your designated location. Find your specific polling place before Election Day, as it may differ from your registration address. Some states mail out voter information pamphlets, providing details about the candidates and measures on the ballot. Voting guides are also available online and in newspapers ahead of major elections.
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Voting by absentee ballot
Students who are registered to vote in their home state but are attending school in another state can submit absentee ballots, also known as mail-in or vote-by-mail ballots. This means that students don't need to travel to their hometown polling location to cast their vote. However, it's important to note that each state has its own guidelines and deadlines for absentee voting, so students should familiarize themselves with the specific rules in their state. Some states require voters to have a valid excuse to vote absentee, such as being unable to get to the polling place due to illness, injury, or disability, or being out of town on business or vacation. Other states allow any voter to vote by absentee ballot, even if they are able to vote in person.
To receive an absentee ballot, students may need to request one from their state or local election office. In some cases, they may be able to vote in person by visiting their county election office or another designated location to request, receive, and submit their ballot all in one trip. It's important to update voter registration information with a current address, and some states may require a copy of a student ID or other form of identification. Additionally, students should be aware of the deadlines for requesting and returning absentee ballots, as these may vary by state.
Absentee voting provides a convenient way for students to participate in elections without having to travel to their hometown polling places. By staying informed about the candidates, key issues, and state-specific guidelines, students can effectively exercise their right to vote even while attending school in another state. It is worth noting that registering to vote in more than one state is illegal, so students must choose whether to register in their home state or their college state.
In addition to absentee voting, some states offer alternative options for students. For instance, students can change their voter registration to their college state if they maintain a permanent or temporary residence there, allowing them to vote in person at their college location. Alternatively, they can keep their registration in their home state and use their college address as their mailing address. This way, they can still receive voting information and stay engaged with the political process in their home state.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Students can vote either at home or at university, depending on where they are registered to vote.
You can register to vote using the street address of the building where you live, either on or off campus. Do not use a campus mailbox address to register, but you can use a campus mailbox as your mailing address.
If you want to register at your home address, you can do so online (if you have a state-issued ID like a driver's license), in person at your county voter registration office, or by filling out and submitting a voter registration application.
Most counties and states do not require you to cancel your voter registration after you move, but doing so helps local election officials. Many state and local election offices have forms you can submit to cancel your registration.
