Student Voting Resources and Frequently Asked Questions

BestColleges has partnered with VoteAmerica to help students navigate the voter registration process.
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Updated on March 3, 2023
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Since millennials and Generation Z now represent the largest share of eligible voters in the U.S., student voters have the power to cast deciding votes in the 2022 midterm elections.

At the same time, college students must overcome various challenges to voting, including recent efforts to suppress voter rights across the country. That is why BestColleges is proud to partner with VoteAmerica to provide information and tools to help drive student voter turnout in 2022.

VoteAmerica Voter Registration Tools

Register to Vote

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Double Check Your Voter Registration Status

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Get Your Absentee Ballot (Also Called Vote-By-Mail)

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Where Is My Polling Place?

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Local Election Office Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions About Voting in College

How do I know if I am registered to vote?

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Students who are unsure whether or where they're registered to vote can check their voter registration status on the National Association of Secretaries of State website. There, you'll 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.

How do I vote if I'm studying abroad?

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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. To cast your vote, simply fill out this ballot and mail it to your election office before Election Day.

Many resources are available to guide you through the process. Some voting offices also allow you to check the status of your absentee voter registration online.

How do I get an absentee ballot?

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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. Note that some states, including Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Hawaii, allow all elections to be conducted by mail-in voting.

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.

Does where I register to vote affect my tuition status and financial aid?

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In general, where you register to vote should not affect your in-state or out-of-state tuition status.

Your residency status is typically 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.

There's a slight chance that where you're registered to vote could affect your eligibility for certain scholarships and grants if they come from organizations or agencies based in your home state. Your school's financial aid office can provide more information on your situation.

In most cases, if your in-state or out-of-state status does not change, your scholarships should not change either.

How long must you live in a state to be able to register to vote there?

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Rules about length of residency are set by individual states. For example, according to Vote.org, 15 states, as well as Washington, D.C., require voters to have lived in their voting precincts for at least 30 days before the upcoming election.

If an election will take place soon after you move to a new state, you may want to stay registered in your home state.

Student Voter Resources for Getting Involved

Don't let voter suppression stop you from getting involved in the election this year. There are many ways students can volunteer their time, advocate for important issues, and make a difference in 2022.

Voting Resources for Staying Informed

There are many issues directly impacting students in the 2022 midterm elections. Fortunately, there are many resources that can help you make informed voting decisions.


DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.