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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Eligibility

Am I eligible to register to vote?

If you’re 18 years old and a citizen of the United States, the answer is likely yes! However, you should check your state’s election page to be sure. Some jurisdictions have unique regulations (like residency requirements) that might affect your eligibility in that particular state. Check out our Registration page to get started.



I’m a Stanford student but I’m not 18 years old yet. Can I register to vote?

The voter registration age requirement varies by state, but most states allow individuals who will be 18 by the next election to register to vote. Some states do have a minimum age requirement to register to vote (for example, you may have to be 17½ years of age). Check out this link to learn the policy in your state. TurboVote will also help you determine if you're eligible, and if you are, you can register to vote in only a couple minutes.



What if I miss the voter registration deadline? Can I still vote?

Maybe! Some states allow you to register on the same day as the election (here's a list), and some let you update your address after the deadline. However, there is no uniform answer for all 50 states; call your local election office to find out for sure! If you want to find out the deadlines in your state, check out our calendar.



Is it too late to register to vote?

Voting deadlines vary from state to state. To learn more about the specific policy in your state, check out our important deadlines calendar.



I’m an undocumented student at Stanford. Can I register to vote?

Undocumented Americans are ineligible to vote in elections. However, civic engagement is not limited to just voters! Check out the Non-Voters page for more information about how to participate in the democratic process as a non-voter.



I was previously convicted of a felony. Can I register to vote?

If you have been previously convicted of a felony, your voting rights vary from state to state. In most states, you can often petition to have your voting rights restored if they have been removed. Check out this link for specifics in your state. If you are eligible to vote, TurboVote can help you register online quickly.



Registration

How do I register to vote?

Go to stanford.turbovote.org for step-by-step instructions on how to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and more! Check out this website to see tailored information for college students on how to vote.



I think I’ve registered before, but I can’t remember. How do I check my voter registration status?

You can check in under 30 seconds on our Register to Vote page! If you’re not, you can use our TurboVote link to register in only a couple minutes online.



When do I need to re-register to vote?

You can re-register to vote at any time via TurboVote, but it is especially important to re-register if any of the following has changed: your name; your signature; your home or mailing address; or your political party affiliation. Check out our Register To Vote page for more information.



If I register to vote, will I get called for jury duty?

Maybe, but you might get called even if you’re not registered. Driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and utility bills are all used to call names for jury duty in California.



What if I miss the voter registration deadline? Can I still vote?

Maybe! Some states allow you to register on the same day as the election (here's a list), and some let you update your address after the deadline. However, there is no uniform answer for all 50 states; call your local election office to find out for sure! If you want to find out the deadlines in your state, check out our calendar.



Location & Logistics

I live on campus. What address should I use for voter registration?

Up to you! Nearly all states allow college students to register in the jurisdiction of their university as long as they’re considered a “resident,” which generally means living in that jurisdiction for a certain period of time prior to registration. However, you’re also free to register at your home address if you so choose! Keep in mind that any absentee ballots or mail-in ballots will be sent to the address you registered at, which could create logistical problems if you live across the country. Check out our Registration page for more information about registering.



I moved to a different home address and I haven’t changed it on my voter registration. What happens if I try to vote in person at Stanford?

If you’re registered to vote at your campus address, you shouldn't have a problem! You will still be able to cast your ballot in California. If you’re not registered to vote at your Stanford address, you should make sure you're registered at whatever address you will live at on Election Day. Check out our Create a Voting Plan section for more information about deciding where to vote.



I’m registered at my permanent address in my hometown. Do I need to re-register to vote at Stanford?

That depends! You should register to vote at whatever address you will live at on Election Day. This year, that is likely to be your home address, so you may not have to re-register.



I’d like to stay registered outside of Santa Clara County. Where do I find my polling place?

Check our Create a Voting Plan section to be directed to information about your state, or go to https://www.vote411.org/ and select your state. If you live in California, you can use this tool.



Can I register and vote if I don’t have a home address or am experiencing homelessness?

Absolutely! You’ll need to provide an address when you register to vote – this is used to assign your voting districts and to send any election mail. Homeless registrants can list a shelter address, or can include the address where they sleep most often, like a street corner or park address. Check out this resource for more information.



I am a voter with a disability. Will my polling place be accessible and what options do I have to cast a ballot?

Every voter has the right to cast a private and independent ballot, including voters with disabilities. If you want to learn more about what your voting rights are or were denied the right to vote because of your disability, you can find your state’s National Disability Rights Network member agency here. Additional resources for voters with disabilities can be found through the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and Nonprofit VOTE.



Do I need to re-register if I've moved?

Yes, if you have changed your address, changed your name, or need to change your political party, you must re-register. You can do this at stanford.turbovote.org. Check out our Register to Vote and Create a Voting Plan sections for more information.



Do I need to show identification to vote?

Depends on where you live, but most states require some form of identification either when you register and/or when you vote. You can check the voter I.D. laws in your state here. Check out our Create a Voting Plan page for more information about casting your ballot.



Civic Engagement

Why does Stanford get involved in voter registration?

Stanford educates and develops the next generation of leaders. Accordingly, Stanford students are expected to engage with their communities and to actively participate in the democratic process. It’s important to Stanford—and to the country—that we make our voices heard in all levels of the government.