How to Vote as a College Student
For many students that are in their first year of college, this may also be the first time they’re eligible to vote! This is a huge deal, not only for this year’s election, but to help students understand their civic duty as Americans.
Here's a quick guide on how to register to vote and why it's important to participate in civil discourse around the upcoming elections.
How to Register to Vote
Choose where to register: You can register either in your hometown or in the city where your college is located, but you can only vote in one location. Decide which community you want to be a part of during election season. Visit https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student to get more details on your options for voting while in college.
Register online: Many states allow online voter registration. Head over to CanIVote.org or your state's election website to start the process.
Mail or in-person registration: If your state doesn't offer online registration, you can download a voter registration form from Vote.gov, fill it out, and mail it in. Some states also allow in-person registration at specific locations, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a local election office.
Make sure to check the deadlines for voter registration, as they vary by state. If you need more help, usually there’s someone at your college that can offer additional guidance on how to register to vote and where to vote as a student.
Why Civic Engagement Matters
Voting is a powerful way to have your voice heard in local, state, and national issues. As a college student, you bring fresh perspectives that can influence decisions affecting everything from education policy to environmental laws. Engaging in civil discourse about elections—whether on campus, social media, or with friends—also helps raise awareness and encourages informed voting.
Voting is also a great way to exercise research and critical thinking skills. You’ll learn how to wade through all of the clickbait and election propaganda to get to the real information about issues that you care about. You’ll learn how to ask probing questions to learn more, and how to check your sources to make sure that what you're reading and hearing about is indeed accurate information. And, most importantly, I hope you’ll learn how to have open, civil, and friendly conversations about these issues with your friends and colleagues, especially ones that you may not agree with.
As you register to vote, consider learning more about the candidates and issues that will be on your ballot. You’ll be making decisions that will impact not only the community you live in, but also the country as a whole.
Don’t forget: Your vote matters, and your involvement helps shape the future!
