The nation is less than 50 days away from November 5, election day, and as every vote counts, some college students might know the steps they need to take to vote, especially as an out-of-state resident.
LMU has partnered with TurboVote in collaboration with the Center for Service and Action so students can do all things election-related. This is a good place to check registration status, register to vote, and discover tips on how to vote by mail.
With voter registration deadlines swiftly approaching, we’ve assembled a guide for voting as an out-of-state student.
1. Check your registration status
The first step is to see if you’re even registered to vote. The easiest way to check for this information is by putting your information into TurboVote’s voter registration status page.
Once you enter your information, you’ll see whether you’re registered or not, and from there, you’ll request an absentee or mail-in ballot.
2. Register to vote
If you go back and vote in your home state or remote from LMU, you should ensure that you are registered to vote in the state with your home address, not where you attend school. Check the state’s deadlines as every state is different except for North Dakota, which doesn’t require registering.
3. Decide where to vote
Once registered to vote, you must then decide where you’re going to vote. Will you be home for early voting or on election day? Or will you vote from the LMU campus? You can vote at either place, but not in both places. To decide on which is the best option you can explore the voter ID requirements for each state.
If you decide to vote while here at LMU you should request an absentee or mail-in ballot depending on your state rules. Find out what your state offers, and the deadline for requesting an absentee or mail-in ballot. Make sure you mail your ballot in time, preferably early, to be counted.
5. Submit your ballot on time
The final step is ensuring that your vote is counted. Follow the instructions carefully when filling out your absentee or mail-in ballot and make sure you submit it before the deadline. Each state has its own rules on when ballots must be postmarked or received, so double-check your state’s deadlines through TurboVote or your state’s election website. If you’re voting by mail, consider mailing your ballot a week before the deadline to avoid delays.
5. Your vote matters.
Once you’ve submitted your ballot, it’s crucial to understand how much your vote counts. Even as a college student, your voice can influence decisions that impact not just your home state but the entire nation. Make sure to stay informed on the candidates and issues relevant to both your home state and the country as a whole by doing your research.
By following these five steps, LMU students can easily navigate the voting process and ensure their voices are heard, no matter where they’re from. Voting as an out-of-state student doesn’t have to be hard, and with resources like TurboVote and The Center for Service and Action, you can make sure you’re fully prepared for election day.
