FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Eligibility
Am I eligible to register to vote?
I’m a Stanford student but I’m not 18 years old yet. Can I register to vote?
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?
I’m an undocumented student at Stanford. Can I register to vote?
I was previously convicted of a felony. Can I register to vote?
Registration
How do I register 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?
If I register to vote, will I get called for jury duty?
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?
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?
I’m registered at my permanent address in my hometown. Do I need to re-register to vote at Stanford?
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?
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?
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.