Lori Meadows
Students can generally vote at their university, but the rules vary depending on location. In the US, for example, students can register to vote at their campus address or their home address, but not both. In the UK, students may be able to register at both addresses, but they can only vote once in elections taking place on the same day. In Michigan, students can vote at their university, but they must choose whether they want to register at their student address or permanent home address.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voting options for students | Students can choose to vote in their home state or in the state they attend college. |
| Voting requirements | Students must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and not otherwise disqualified. They must also meet residency requirements, which vary by state. |
| Residency requirements | In Wisconsin, students must reside in a ward for at least 28 days to be eligible to vote. In Ohio, students must fill out a new voter registration form at least 30 days before the election using their campus address. |
| Voter registration | Students should register and vote at only one address, either their home address or their student address. They can register online, by mail, or in person at a government facility. |
| Absentee voting | Students can request an absentee ballot from their county board of elections and vote by mail if they are unable to vote in person. |
| Special circumstances | Homeless students can still vote and list a homeless shelter, street intersection, or public park as their residence. Students with disabilities are provided accommodations at polling locations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Voting Rights Act (VRA). |
What You'll Learn
Registering to vote at your university address
If you're a student, you can register to vote using your university address or your home address. This is because students are considered to have dual residency. However, you can only vote once in each election.
If you're considering registering to vote at your university address, you should first check that your state allows you to use your college ID as proof of residence. Some states will not accept this as valid proof. If this is the case, you will need another form of ID to vote using your university address.
Registering to vote at your home address
If you register to vote at your home address, you will need to either go home to vote in person or request an absentee ballot.
How to register
To register to vote, go to the Register to Vote website and complete the registration process. At the end, print and send your registration form to your local election official.
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Voting in person at university
If you're voting at your university address, you'll need to check the residency requirements for voter registration. In some states, you must have resided in a ward for a certain number of days before you can register to vote there. For example, in Wisconsin, you must have lived in a ward for at least 28 consecutive days. If you meet the residency requirements, you'll need to fill out a voter registration form using your campus address. Remember to do this at least 30 days before the election, and be aware that registering to vote at your university address may cancel your registration at your home address.
If you're voting at your home address, you can do so in person or by requesting an absentee ballot. If you're voting in person, make sure you know your assigned polling location before Election Day, as you can only vote at the polling place for your specific precinct. If you won't be at home on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot from your county board of elections and vote by mail.
It's important to be aware of the challenges that college students often face when attempting to vote. For example, students may move frequently, be homeless or housing insecure, or have special circumstances that make voting or registering tricky. However, don't let these challenges discourage you from voting. Instead, take the time to understand the voting process and your rights as a voter. Remember, your vote matters!
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Absentee ballots
To vote by absentee ballot, you must first request your ballot and then return it by the deadline. Absentee ballots can be requested online, in person at a local clerk's office, or at an on-campus satellite office. Deadlines for returning absentee ballots vary, so be sure to check the relevant dates for your state. Absentee ballots can usually be returned by mail or in person.
If you are a student voter registered at your campus address, you may be able to request and submit your absentee ballot at an on-campus satellite office. This can be a convenient option if you prefer to keep your hometown address as your permanent address but are unable to travel there to vote in person.
It is important to note that registering to vote in more than one state is illegal. You must register in your home state or the state where you attend school. Additionally, if you are voting in person, be sure to bring your ID, as not every state will accept a student ID.
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Voter eligibility
Registering to Vote
Students can register to vote at their home address or their student address. They should vote where they consider to be home. Registering to vote can be done online or by mail. In some states, it can also be done over the phone or in person at a government facility.
Voting in Person
If students choose to vote in person, they must find their designated polling location before Election Day to ensure they know where to go. They will also need to bring a form of identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or college ID card.
Absentee Voting
To make voting more accessible for students, the government allows absentee voting (also called mail-in or vote-by-mail) if they are registered in their home state but are attending school out of state. Absentee ballots can be requested from the county board of elections.
Voter Requirements
In addition to residing in a ward for a specified number of days (e.g. 28 days in Wisconsin), students must be US citizens, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and not otherwise disqualified to be eligible to vote.
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Voting rights
Students have the right to vote, but they often face challenges when attempting to do so. In the US, students can vote in their home state or in the state they attend college. They can submit absentee ballots if they are registered in their home state but are attending school out of state. Alternatively, if a student has a permanent or temporary residence in the state where they attend college, they can change their voter registration to that state and vote in person. It is illegal to register to vote in more than one state.
Some states, like Wisconsin, have specific requirements for voter eligibility, such as establishing 28 days of consecutive residency. However, state law provides special exceptions for college students, acknowledging that they may move frequently. Students have the right to vote in Wisconsin if they meet the residency requirement, are US citizens, are at least 18 years old on or before election day, and are not otherwise disqualified.
In Iowa, students can register to vote at their home address or their student address. They should vote wherever they consider home but must ensure they only register and vote at one address. Iowa requires voters to show an ID when voting in person, which can include a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or college ID with a photo and expiration date.
Students experiencing homelessness can still cast a ballot, and those with disabilities are provided accommodations at polling locations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Voting Rights Act (VRA).
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Frequently asked questions
Students can vote at their university depending on the state's laws. In some states, students can vote in their home state or in the state they attend college. They can either vote in person or by requesting an absentee ballot.
The requirements for student voting vary by state. In general, students need to be U.S. citizens, be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and not be otherwise disqualified from voting. Some states may also require proof of residence and a valid form of identification.
Students can register to vote at their home address or their student address. They should vote where they consider to be home but must only register and vote at one address. Students can typically register online, by mail, or in person at a government facility.
Students face unique challenges when attempting to vote, such as frequent moving, lack of information, and not having a driver's license. These barriers can make it difficult for students to register and vote. However, many universities provide voter resources and nonpartisan opportunities to register and learn about the voting process.
