University Students' Voting Trends: Understanding The Patterns

University students are encouraged to vote as a way to make their voices heard and participate in the democratic process. In the UK, students can register to vote at both their home and term-time addresses, provided they are British, Commonwealth, or Irish citizens. However, it is important to note that voting more than once in the same election, even if registered at multiple addresses, is a criminal offence. With general and local elections taking place across the UK, students are advised to understand the rules for each type of election and the eligibility requirements for registering to vote. While voting is not compulsory, it is a legal requirement to be registered, and it also helps with credit referencing for various services. Students can opt for postal voting if they are unsure about their location on the voting day. Understanding the different party stances and manifestos can help students decide who to vote for, and universities often have political societies that can provide additional insights.

Registering to vote at home vs at university

As a university student, you can register to vote at both your home and university addresses. However, this does not mean that you can vote twice in the same election. In the UK, voting more than once in a general election is a criminal offence. Therefore, you will need to choose one address and vote in only that area when voting in a UK Parliamentary election.

If you are a student living away from home, you can be registered to vote at both your university term-time address and your home address, as long as they are in different electoral areas. This means that you can vote wherever you are at the time of the election.

To register to vote in the UK, you must be aged 16 or over, a resident in the UK, and a British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen. Registering to vote can be done online and usually takes around three to five minutes.

If you are unable to make it to the polling station on election day, you can apply for a postal or proxy vote. A postal vote allows you to vote by mail, while a proxy vote means someone you trust can vote on your behalf.

Voting in person vs by post

As a university student, you can choose to vote in person or by post. If you want to vote in person, you need to register to vote at your chosen address. You can be registered at both your home address and your university address if they are in different local authority areas. However, you must only vote in one location for UK Parliament elections, London Assembly and London Mayoral elections, Scottish Parliament elections, council elections in Scotland, and Northern Ireland Assembly elections. Voting in more than one location in these elections is a criminal offence. For other elections, such as local council elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, you can vote at both addresses if they are in different council areas.

If you are unsure where you will be on voting day, registering for a postal vote can be a convenient option. To register for a postal vote, you need to fill in a form and send it to your local electoral services team. You will then receive a ballot form in the post, which you need to fill in and return. Postal voting can be a flexible solution if you are uncertain about your location on election day or if you want to avoid the hassle of voting in person.

Voting in person offers a different experience compared to postal voting. It involves going to a designated polling station, such as a church hall or library, and casting your vote there. On election day, you will need to present photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, along with your name and address. Once your information is verified, you will receive a ballot paper and cast your vote in a booth. The process is straightforward, but it requires you to be physically present at the polling station.

Both voting in person and by post have their advantages. Voting in person provides a sense of participation and involvement in the democratic process. It allows you to interact with other voters and experience the atmosphere of the polling station. On the other hand, postal voting offers convenience and flexibility, especially if you are unable to visit the polling station or are unsure about your location on election day.

Ultimately, the decision between voting in person and by post depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Voting in person can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to engage directly with the voting process. At the same time, postal voting provides a practical alternative if you value convenience and the ability to vote remotely. Remember to check the rules for the specific election you are participating in and ensure that you are registered correctly to exercise your right to vote.

Voting in local elections

University students can face unique challenges when it comes to voting, especially if they are studying away from their home address. However, it is important to remember that students have the power to shape their communities by voting.

In general, your voter registration is tied to where you live. As a university student, you can usually register to vote in either your hometown or where you attend university, depending on the residency requirements of your state or territory. It is important to remember that you can live in more than one place, but you are only allowed to vote in one.

Voting in Your Hometown

Even if you are away at university for most of the year, you may have the option to vote in your hometown. You can register to vote using your permanent address in your hometown and use your university address as your mailing address. Many states or territories allow you to request a mail ballot if you are unable to vote in person.

Voting in Your University Town

If you attend university in a different town to your hometown, you may have the option to vote there. First, 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. After confirming your eligibility, you can register to vote using the street address of the building where you live, either on or off campus. If you are already registered to vote in your hometown, remember to update your voter registration with your university address.

Voting Out of State

If you attend university in a different state or territory to your home address, you may still be able to vote there. Check the residency requirements for voting on the election office website in your university state. After confirming your eligibility, register to vote in your university state. You can use the street address of the building where you live, either on or off campus, as your residential address.

Voting While Studying Abroad

If you are a citizen of the country in which you are studying, you can vote from anywhere in the world.

Voting in general elections

University students can have dual residency, meaning they can register to vote with their campus address or their home address. However, they can only vote in one location, and voting in more than one place is a criminal offence.

If you are a university student in a different city to your hometown, you may want to consider the following when deciding where to vote:

• Which location is more convenient for you?
• Who is on the ballot in each place?
• Are there local policies or particular issues that are important to you in either place?

If you decide to vote in your hometown, you can register to vote using your permanent address. You can request a mail ballot if you are unable to vote in person, or you may be able to vote in person if you are in your hometown during the election.

If you decide to vote in your college town, you can register to vote using the street address of the building where you live, either on or off campus. You should not use a campus mailbox address to register, but you can use a campus mailbox as your mailing address. If you are already registered to vote in your hometown, you can update your voter registration with your college address.

In the US, if you are a college student voting in your college town in a different state to your home state, you may need to live in the state for a certain number of days before you can register to vote there. Check the residency requirements for voting on the election office website in your college state.

How to register to vote

As a university student, you may be able to register to vote at both your home address and your university address, as long as they are in different local authority areas. However, this does not mean that you can vote twice in elections that take place on the same day. If you are registered at two addresses, you will need to choose one address and vote in that area.

To register to vote, you must be:

• Aged 16 or over. (Some 16 and 17-year-olds can be included on the register of electors as an 'attainer' and will be able to vote when they turn 18.)
• A resident in the UK (except for service voters or overseas voters who can reside abroad).
• A British citizen, an Irish citizen, or have permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man.

If you are a Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Spain, or another EU country, you may also be eligible to register to vote. However, it is important to note that qualifying citizens of the European Union who are not Commonwealth or Irish citizens can only vote in local elections and some referendums, not UK Parliamentary general elections.

To check if you are already registered to vote, you can contact your local Electoral Registration Office or enter your postcode to find your local electoral registration office and contact them directly. If you are not on the electoral roll, you can register to vote online in just a few minutes. You will need your National Insurance number.

In addition to allowing you to vote, registering to vote is important for other reasons. The electoral register is used in credit referencing, for example, when you buy a mobile phone or open a bank account. Some employers also check credit references. Therefore, it is essential to update your address when you move.

Frequently asked questions