Voting as a college student: Top two questions answered

 If you’re away from home for school you might have some questions about how to vote. Read on for how to do it easily.

Hey there, college student! So, you’re away at school and wondering how to exercise your right to vote? It’s a common question among folks navigating their way through academia. Voting is crucial for college students, because it directly affects the policies and issues that impact life on campus and beyond. And make no mistake, even though it might seem a bit confusing, every vote counts, especially yours. Take the example of Michigan, where young voters made a significant impact in recent elections. A recent report found that Michigan led the nation in 2022 in voter turnout for citizens aged 18-29.

One of the most commonly asked questions is: Should I vote in my hometown or register with my college address?

The answer is that this is a personal decision. You may either register to vote at your school address or remain registered in your home state/county. Just remember that you can only be registered to vote in one location, so be sure to update your voter registration information well in advance of Election Day. If you can’t make it home to vote and choose to remain registered in your hometown, request a mail-in or absentee ballot ahead of the appropriate deadline and return it on time so your vote is counted.

• Online applications can be submitted until 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to Election Day—That’s Nov. 1 for the general election—though voters registering online are strongly encouraged to apply at least 15 days prior to Election Day. You’ll need a valid driver’s license or Michigan ID to register online as an absentee voter. Your absentee ballot will be mailed to you.
• Mailed applications must be received by the county clerk by 5 p.m. the Friday before Election Day. Like online applications, voters are strongly encouraged to send back completed absentee applications at least 15 days before the election. Your absentee ballot will be mailed to you.

A second common question: Is it even possible to vote in your local home elections if you’re living out of state? The answer is yes, absolutely.

As a college student, you have a sort of dual residency, said Chris Swope, Lansing city clerk.

“So if Michigan is your permanent residence and you’re living out of state temporarily as a college student, what you can do is put in that mailing address of your college dorm or apartment wherever you’re living, and your ballot can be mailed to you at that address,” Swope said.

One thing to keep in mind, Swope warned, is to be mindful of time when you’re out of state.

“Just keep in mind that mail going out of state can take a little bit longer, so you know, build in that few extra days. Constitutionally, ballots are available 40 days before the election, and we do try to get them in the mail that far ahead,” Swope said. “So if you’ve requested your ballot, you know, 40 days ahead, you should be in pretty good shape. But, you know, don’t don’t dawdle on returning that ballot because again, it can take a little bit of extra time to come through the postal service if it’s coming from out of state.”

Now that you know these answers, you’re better equipped to vote in 2024. Remember, as a college student, your vote is not just a right but a powerful tool to shape our collective future.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.