CIRCLE’s Youth Electoral Significance Index predicts that youth votes will have the greatest impact on the 2024 general election presidential race in Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Another stereotype is that younger voters are apathetic, but Cleaver believes this claim is exaggerated.
A 2020 survey of young people found that almost a quarter (22%) of those who did not vote said they wanted to but could not. Obstacles prevent young people from voting more often than other age groups, such as the inability to take time off work or school (17% of young voters versus 9% of 35-64 year olds).
Know your voting rights as a college student
College students aren’t immune to voter suppression tactics either, VoteAmerica’s Cleaver told BestColleges.
Because many college students are voting for the first time, they are vulnerable to voting mishaps, she said. Here, we analyze some common hurdles that trip up college students and explain how to overcome those obstacles.
Where can you register to vote?
First-time voters must register as voters before they can cast their vote.
In 42 states, plus the District of Columbia and Guam, you can register to vote online. In North Dakota, voter registration is not required at all. This means you must register in person or by mail in the following states:
VoteAmerica’s Cleaver said many states require an out-of-state driver’s license to register online, meaning if you’re an out-of-state student wanting to register at your college location, you’ll likely have to do so in person or by mail.
She emphasized that college students have dual residency, meaning they can vote either in their hometown or where their university is located.
“I think you should vote where you believe your vote will have the greatest impact,” Cleaver said.
You can contact your Dean of Students if you need to register to vote by mail. The Dean should be able to print all the necessary documents and mail your registration to the local election office.
Even if you are already registered, you may need to register again if your address has changed since you last voted.
How to register in advance for the election
If you are currently 17 years old but will turn 18 before November 5, you can probably register now.
In most states, you can pre-register any time you’re at least 17 years old and will be turning 18 on Election Day. However, some states have stricter requirements for how far in advance you can pre-register. In Alaska, for example, you can only pre-register if your birthday is within 90 days. In Texas, you must be 17 years and 10 months old to register.
The National Conference of State Legislatures will tell you your state’s age restrictions.
Can I vote with my college ID?
Some states don’t require you to show ID to vote. While most states require ID, a college ID may not be sufficient. And some states won’t accept a college ID unless it’s from a public college or university, said VoteAmerica’s Cleaver.
Click here to find out if a student ID is eligible for voting in your state.
In states where a student ID is not sufficient, the nonprofit VoteRiders can help you find out what form of ID is accepted in your state.
What you should and shouldn’t do when voting
If you are voting for the first time in the 2024 elections, there are a few rules you should follow when going to the polls.
Voting tips
- Learn about your state’s voter ID laws
VoteAmerica’s Cleaver said voter ID laws tend to trip up college students at the last minute. Many college students may be studying in a state that requires ID to vote and not know it. Others know they need ID but may bring an ID that their polling place doesn’t accept, she said, and some states don’t even accept a passport as a valid ID. Be sure to research the ID requirements of the state you plan to vote in well in advance of Election Day.
- Plan in advance where you will vote
Your county’s election office should tell you exactly where to vote based on your address, so be sure to check in advance. If you show up at the wrong polling place, you’ll have to fill out a provisional ballot. If your polling place is far from campus and getting there is a problem, many local agencies, nonprofits and institutions offer transportation to voters.
- Ask for help when you need it
Poll workers know how to help with any problems that may arise while voting – all you have to do is ask. Poll workers can also help people with disabilities fill out their ballots. At some polling stations, poll workers can translate ballots for non-English speakers.
What you should not do when voting
- Don’t go to the polls unprepared
It’s not just the 2024 presidential candidates that will be on your ballot. State and local elections will likely be on your ballot, too. Plus, many states and counties are holding referendums that voters can approve or reject. You can get a sample ballot from your local election official in advance to plan your vote before you head to the voting booth. Alternatively, you can request a mail-in ballot so you can think about how you want to vote.
- Don’t be afraid to request a new ballot
Filling out your ballot for the first time can be nerve-wracking, and you wouldn’t be the first person to make a mistake out of nervousness. If that happens, don’t hesitate to ask a poll worker for help. They will give you a new ballot and set your old ballot aside for destruction.
- Don’t let others hinder your right to vote
Cleaver of VoteAmerica reminds students that they have the right to cast their ballot as soon as they are in line to vote. It doesn’t matter if the polls have already closed; if you got in line before the deadline, poll workers must still allow you to vote.
This story was produced by BestColleges and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
