Voting as a college student

Every state has its own voting laws, but there are some things that are always true if you are voting as a student.

1. Students have dual residency. This means you can register to vote with your campus address, or with your home address (but not with both). If you’ll be at school on election day, we recommend registering to vote with your campus address.
2. If you register to vote with your home address, you’ll need to go back home to vote or you’ll need to vote by absentee ballot.
3. Voting by absentee ballot isn’t hard. You request your ballot and then you return it by the deadline. You’ll find details below.
4. If you vote in person, either during early voting or on election day, you’ll need to vote at a designated polling place. There will be more than one polling place per campus, so look up your polling location before you vote.
5. Bring your ID with you when you vote. The absolute best ID is an in-state driver’s license or state ID card. Not every state will accept a student ID when you vote. You’ll find details below.
6. If the polls close while you’re in line, stay in line! Anyone who is waiting in line when the polls officially close is allowed to vote.
7. 47 states offer early voting. Early voting takes place before election day and is sometimes more convenient than voting on Election Day.
8. 25 states offer same day registration. In these states you can register to vote and cast a ballot at the same time. Same day registration generally takes place on Election Day, but not always. You can learn more below.
9. If you arrive on Election Day and they say you’re not registered to vote, insist that they give you a provisional ballot.
10. If you need help, please contact the National Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683. You can call or text.