College students have dual residency and can choose where to vote, but every state has different rules.
Don't wait to register or request your absentee ballot! The process can take weeks depending on your home or school state, so start the process now!
STEP 1: Where will my vote have the most impact?
Are you from or do you attend school in a battleground state? If yes, vote there! State elections also matter!
US Senate Battlegrounds: Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Alaska, Georgia, Michigan
US House Battlegrounds: California, Arizona, Iowa, Michigan
State Legislative and Gubernatorial Battlegrounds: California, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Alaska
You can get a sample ballot for any location here. Just enter the address. You do NOT need to enter an email address, and you do NOT need to have decided where you're voting to see what's on each ballot.
STEP 2: Based on where I'm from and where I go to school, where is it actually feasible for me to vote?
Select your home and school states below; we'll give you a quick summary of voting rules for each state so you can decide where it's feasible for you to vote. Does your home state require your ballot to be notarized? Does your school state require a utility bill to prove residency? You can find that info here. All data is drawn from each state's elections division, and a link is provided so you can learn more.
What are the rules for voting by absentee ballot in your home state?
What are the rules for voting in person in the state where you go to school?
STEP 3: Make your decision and start the process!
Now that you've decided where to vote, it's time start the process by requesting an absentee ballot or registering to vote in person! We have created two guides (also linked in the menu above) to help you navigate the process:
Each guide includes embedded forms from vote.org, a nonpartisan voter platform, plus tips and tricks we think you might find helpful.
Remember, if you can't vote where you want to due to state regulations, your vote still matters! You'll be making your voice heard, and influencing local elections.
STEP 4: Share this resource and encourage your friends and family to vote!
Share this resource with your friends by directing them to https://www.collegestudentsvote.org/ or this QR code
