Election 2024: How to Vote as a Student

Every four years, the nation casts its vote for the next President of the United States. In 2020, Pew Research Center found that over two-thirds of the country showed up to vote, the highest voter turnout since 1900. The stakes are high once more as Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump face off on November 5. Additionally, other candidates will be on the ballot at the national, state, and local levels.

How to Vote as a Student

While voting seems like a very “adult” thing to do, high school, college, and graduate students are all eligible to cast their vote. Students will be just as impacted by who is in office the next four years, so it’s imperative that they make their voice heard and vote.

Who Can Vote

When it comes to voting in this country, there are not too many barriers in place. To vote, you must: • Be a U.S. citizen • Meet your state’s residency requirements (some states do allow those experiencing homelessness to vote) • Be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day • Be registered to vote in your state by the deadline

Who Cannot Vote

There are stipulations as to who cannot vote in this country. If you fall under one of the following, you are unable to vote in this election: • Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents • Some convicted felons (although this differs state-by-state) • Some people with mental disabilities (again, varies by state) • U.S. citizens living in U.S. territories cannot vote in presidential elections

How to Check if You Are Registered to Vote

Fortunately, it’s very easy to find out if you are registered to vote. The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) has created an online platform that allows U.S. citizens to: • Register to vote • Check registration status • Find your polling place • Check valid forms of ID • Vote by absentee ballot • Vote from overseas Because voting requirements and deadlines differ by state, NASS serves as a centralized location to connect you with your state’s websites, forms, and information. From their site, you will be directed to where you need to register to vote and ensure you’re at the right place at the right time on Election Day.

How to Register to Vote Online

There is no online voting in elections. You must vote in person. If you are unable to vote in person, every state offers residents the option to vote by an absentee ballot. You can, however, register to vote online. Registering to vote requires entering whatever information your state asks to be eligible to vote. This may include your address, driver’s license information, or citizenship status. Again, each state varies in their requirements. Be sure to use your state’s government website, which can be accessed through the NASS platform.

How to Vote for Presidential Election 2024

Like any election, you can vote in person at your local polling location or by absentee ballot. You can find your polling place online. Some states will mail out voter identification cards. These cards will confirm your name and address and will also list the polling location that you are eligible to vote at on Election Day. You can only vote at your local polling place, which will typically be near your place of residence. You cannot vote at a polling location that is near your college classes or workplace, even if that is where you’ll be during voting hours on Election Day. It must be done at the place listed on your voter registration card. If you are unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can opt to vote early at a designated Early Voting location, like your local library, or by absentee ballot. Once again, NASS makes it easy to find your polling place.

How to Vote for Other Candidates on the Ballot

The presidential race is not the only race that will be featured on the ballot this year. Some states will be voting on Senators, Governors, State Representatives, Mayors, School Board candidates, and more. Educate yourself on the candidates in your state and local elections. You will likely be more impacted by their laws and policies. It’s important to vote for candidates that are reflective of your values. Vote.org enables voters to view their ballot ahead of time. In doing so, you’ll know who is running, and you can do your research to determine who you will vote for on Election Day.

How to Vote as a College Student

Voting as a college student is not complicated. You simply need to be prepared well in advance of Election Day. If you’ve never voted, you need to register to vote first. Then, you need to determine whether you will be at home on Election Day or away at school. If you attend college away from home, you can either vote early when you’re at home before the Election or vote by absentee ballot.

Where to Vote as a College Student

If you plan far enough in advance, you can determine whatever will be easiest for you on Election Day. Some students also like to strategize based on where they attend college and which way that state leans, politically. For instance, students that attend college in a battleground state may choose to vote there as their vote might make more of a difference than in their home state, which is typically consistent in whether it is a blue or red state. If that is your strategy on Election Day, you need to make sure that you meet the state’s requirements for being eligible to vote there. If it doesn’t matter to you where you vote, it may be easier to vote in your hometown election. You can cast your vote in a variety of ways, even if you attend college far away.

Voting In-Person

Your first option for voting this Election year is in person. If you vote in person, you need to be sure you show up at the correct polling location. That could vary if you’re voting in your college town or your hometown. Things to consider if you’re voting in person: • Check the residency requirements in your college town versus your hometown if you live in the same state where you attend college. Your only option may be to vote in your hometown if you have not been in your college town long enough. You can find residency requirements on usa.gov. • If you are registering to vote using a campus address, use the address for the building you live in, i.e. your dorm, apartment, Greek house, co-op, etc. • If you’re already registered to vote in your hometown, update your address with your collegiate residence. You cannot be registered to vote in two different places.

Voting Early In-Person

Some states allow residents to vote early. If you’re going to be home during the early voting period, you can opt to vote in person instead. Early voting usually takes place at community centers, like public libraries. Your state or local government will have a list of Early Voting poll locations.

Voting Absentee

Finally, some states allow you to vote absentee or by mail. If you attend college out-of-state or far away from your hometown, absentee or mail-in voting may be the most convenient option for you. To qualify for this type of voting, you must request a ballot in advance. You should also submit your ballot in a timely manner. Absentee or mail-in ballots oftentimes must be received days in advance of Election Day. Vote.org provides absentee ballot deadlines by state. Are you studying abroad this semester? Don’t let that prevent you from voting. The Overseas Vote Foundation provides a variety of resources for anyone trying to vote in U.S. elections from an overseas location.

Voting in 2024

A variety of issues are on the table this election cycle for students. Who you vote for today may still be serving in office when you’re entering the workforce, paying back student loans, and investing in your own future. Make sure your voice is heard by voting on Election Day.