Lori Meadows
University students often face unique challenges when it comes to voting, and it is important that they are empowered with the information they need to register and vote. Depending on the country or state, students may be able to register to vote in either their hometown or where they attend university. In some cases, they may be required to live in the state or city for a certain amount of time before they can register to vote there. Many countries and states allow absentee or mail-in ballots for those who are unable to vote in person, and some even hold elections entirely by mail. Students should familiarize themselves with the candidates and key issues, and be aware of any identification requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voter registration | Tied to where you live |
| Where to register | In your hometown or where you attend college |
| Registration requirements | Residency requirements of your state |
| Registration address | Street address of the building where you live, either on or off campus |
| Registration frequency | Only in one place |
| Voting options | In person or by mail |
| Absentee ballot | Available in some states |
| Voter information | Voter information pamphlets, online, newspapers |
| Identification | In-state driver's license or state ID card |
| Polling place | Designated location, not necessarily on campus |
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What You'll Learn
Registering to vote in your hometown or college town
As a college student, you can usually register to vote in either your hometown or where you attend college, depending on the residency requirements of your state. Your voter registration is tied to where you live, and you can live in more than one place, but you are only allowed to vote in one.
If you are going to college in a different city than your hometown, there are a few things you might consider when deciding where to vote. Firstly, registering to vote in your hometown or college town will not affect your federal financial aid, including FAFSA, Pell Grants, Perkins, or Stafford loans. However, it may affect whether you qualify for in-state tuition. Even if you're away at school for most of the year, you may have the option to vote in your hometown. To do this, you can register to vote using your permanent address in your hometown and use your college address as your mailing address on your registration.
On the other hand, if you attend college in a different state or territory than your home state, you have the option to vote there. In this case, you can change your voter registration to that state and vote in person. You can update your voter registration via mail, online, at a government facility, or, in some states, over the phone. However, registering to vote in more than one state is illegal.
If you decide to register to vote with your college address, you can use your campus address as your mailing address. However, do not use a campus mailbox address to register. If you're not sure what address to use, you can contact your school's civic engagement office or the local election office. Additionally, if you are already registered to vote in your hometown, you can update your voter registration with your college address.
Finally, consider whether you will be voting in person or by mail. Depending on where you are registered, you may need to request an absentee or mail-in ballot. If you are registered with your hometown address and cannot get to the polling place on Election Day, you should plan to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot. Alternatively, if you are registered with your college address and will be in your hometown during the election, you may have the option to vote in person at your hometown polling place.
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Registering with a campus address
As a college student, you can usually register to vote in either your hometown or where you attend college, depending on the residency requirements of your state. If you are an in-state or out-of-state college student living on or near your university's campus, you may be able to use your school residence address to register to vote. However, do not use a campus mailbox address to register; instead, use a campus mailbox as your mailing address. If you're not sure what address to use, get in touch with your school's civic engagement office or the local election office.
If you are already registered to vote in your hometown and want to change your registration to your college address, you can do so by updating your voter registration via mail, online, at a government facility, or, in some states, over the phone. Most counties and states do not require you to cancel your voter registration after you move, but doing so helps local election officials.
If you register to vote with your campus address, you can vote in person at a designated polling place near your campus. There will be more than one polling place per campus, so be sure to look up your polling location before you vote. Remember to bring your ID with you when you go to vote. While the best ID is an in-state driver's license or state ID card, not every state will accept a student ID.
If you are registered with your campus address but will not be at school on election day, you can vote by requesting an absentee or mail-in ballot. You can apply for a ballot online and return it by the deadline.
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Registering with a home address
If you're a university student, you can usually register to vote in your hometown or where you attend college, depending on the residency requirements of your state. You can live in more than one place but can only vote in one. If you're 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.
If you're already registered to vote in your hometown and want to change your registration to your college address, you can do so by mail, online, at a government facility, or, in some states, over the phone. However, most counties and states do not require you to cancel your voter registration after you move. If you're an out-of-state college student, you can use your school residence address to vote in some states.
If you register to vote with your home address but will be at school on election day, you'll need to vote by absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot and return it by the deadline. Alternatively, if you plan to be in your hometown during the election, you may have the option to vote in person at your designated polling place.
It's 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, each state has its own guidelines for voting, so be sure to check the specific rules for your state or territory.
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Registering in a different state or territory
As a college student, you can usually register to vote in either your hometown or where you attend college, depending on the residency requirements of your state. If you are going to college in a different state or territory than your hometown, you can register to vote in that state or territory.
In some states, you must 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. For instance, in Pennsylvania, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which you want to register and vote for at least 30 days before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election. If you moved from outside of Pennsylvania to attend college in the state, you may register to vote there if you meet the other requirements.
If you are already registered to vote in your hometown and want to change your registration to your college state, you can do so. Most counties and states do not require you to cancel your voter registration after you move, but doing so helps your local election officials. You can update your voter registration via mail, online, at a government facility, or, in some states, over the phone.
If you are registered to vote in your home state but are attending college in a different state, you can vote by absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot and then return it by the deadline. Alternatively, if you maintain a permanent or temporary residence in the state where you attend college, you can change your voter registration to that state so you can vote in person.
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Registering as a student with dual residency
As a student with dual residency, you can register to vote with your campus address or your home address, but not with both. Your voter registration is tied to where you live, and you can only vote once in each election.
If you are a US citizen, at least 18 years old, and have been a resident of your state and election district for at least 30 days before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election, you are eligible to vote. In some states, you must live in the state for a certain number of days before you can register to vote there. Check the residency requirements for your state, as each state has its own guidelines.
If you are already registered to vote in your hometown and want to change your registration to your college address, you can do so by mail, online, at a government facility, or, in some states, over the phone. You do not need to cancel your voter registration after you move, but it is helpful to your local election officials if you do. If you are unsure what address to use, contact your school's civic engagement office or the local election office.
If you are registered to vote with your campus address, you can vote in person at a designated polling place on or near campus. If you are registered with your home address, you can either go home to vote in person or vote by absentee ballot. To vote by absentee ballot, request your ballot and return it by the deadline.
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Frequently asked questions
University students can vote in their hometown or where they attend university, depending on the residency requirements of their state.
Students who are out of state on election day can request an absentee ballot, also known as a mail-in ballot, and vote by mail.
Students who are studying abroad on election day can visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program or the Department of State website for information on how to vote while abroad.
University students can register to vote using the street address of the building where they live, either on or off campus. They should not use a campus mailbox address to register but can use a campus mailbox as their mailing address.
