Registering to Vote at School or Home
As students, you can decide where to register to vote. You have a right to register to vote at the address you consider the place where you live, whether that is your family's home or the place where you attend school. You should update your registration anytime your home address changes. You can register to vote here.
You are only permitted to be registered and vote in one state.
Checking your Voter Status
You can check your voter registration status here. Select the state you think you're registered in, then input your name and birthdate to check your status. You can also update your name and/or home address if needed.
If you have any questions about your voter registration status, reach out to your local election official here.
Finding Your Polling Place
Ok, so you’ve registered to vote. Now what? If you are voting in person, you need to know where to find your polling place. You can visit your state’s election office website to find this information. If your state allows absentee or voting-by-mail, we recommend it.
Why? Because you never know when you might be too busy with classes, have to cram for an exam the next day, have to work, or don’t feel well. Life happens and lines for in-person voting can be LONG. Mailing in your ballot means you can do it on your own time and make sure that your vote counts!
How to learn about candidates and the issues
You’re ready to vote. Now what? You need to get informed about the candidates and the issues being voted on. That can be really overwhelming. You can look up voting information online.
Voting Abroad
To vote from another country, you'll need to fill out a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and mail it to your local election office in your state of residency. Once your FPCA has been processed, you'll receive a blank ballot (usually by email or fax) during election season. Cast your vote by filling out this ballot and mailing it to your election office before Election Day.
Absentee ballot
States set specific rules about absentee, or vote-by-mail, ballots and who is allowed to use them. According to USA.gov, most states require registered voters to visit the office or website of their state/territorial election agency to request an absentee ballot. Some states allow all elections to be conducted by mail-in voting. You can request an absentee ballot by clicking here.
Absentee ballots are typically delivered by mail or fax. Students should request absentee ballots early to ensure timely delivery, as election offices often get busy in the weeks leading up to Election Day.
Voting, Tuition Status & Financial Aid
Generally, where you register to vote should not affect your in-state or out-of-state tuition status. Your residency status is determined by many factors, including your voter registration, motor vehicle registration, driver's license, and state income tax returns. Where your parents or guardians live can also determine your tuition status if they claim you as a dependent.
The only case where voting could potentially affect your eligibility, is if your scholarships and grants come from organizations or agencies based in your home state. Your school's financial aid office can provide more information on your situation.
VOTER ID
Voters need to confirm their identity with an ID when they vote in person. ID requirements vary depending on state. Some states require a photo ID, while others accept some forms of ID without your photo. Check out the requirements for our state here.