Student Voting Just Got Easier

StudentVote launches its online voter tookits

Just in time for midterm exams, Student Vote has launched its one-stop, online registration and vote planning resource for college students. StudentVote.info helps students in swing states and swing districts navigate the labyrinth of voting laws designed to keep them from voting.

Are you a college student — or parent of a student — who wants to vote in a swing state?  Are you mired the swamp of registration dates, home vs. campus addresses, and what you’ll need to prove residency? Here’s your guide to safety:

Just click studentvote.info.  Enter the swing state (or competitive NY district) where you want to vote.  StudentVote’s drop-down menu offers Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Click a state and another dropdown presents the largest colleges and universities there.  Click yours and further info will pop up.  If voter registration is still open, you’ll be given specific instructions for registering.  If registration has passed, click Student Voting Plan to check your registration, get proof of residency and voter ID, get help, or actually vote using a “downloadable voting plan” specific to your college.

The voting plans often steer potential voters to actual humans who will provide the needed paper forms for voting and will submit them to the county for each student.

So is voting on campus really that hard?  Unfortunately, yes.

“College students definitely swing elections,” said Amanda Aaron, founder of Student Vote.  “The number of college students who don't vote greatly exceeds the typical margin of victory in swing states for the presidential election, and in this election can also tip the majority in the House of Representatives.  But state legislatures realize this and there has been active suppression of student votes in some states.”  

For instance: In Wisconsin, out-of-state students must go beyond College IDs or passports to get a voter-compliant photo ID.  The cards are issued with expiration dates within two years, requiring renewal before graduation.  In Georgia, college ID’s work only for public university students.  Private college students must get separate IDs and sometimes proof of residency.  Other swing states, other laws, make StudentVote a key factor in getting out the student vote.

“We’re adding colleges every day,” Aaron said.  “If you don’t see the campus-specific information you’re looking for online yet, reach out via our help form.  We will assist you and provide personalized voting help for your campus or home location.”

So, no more excuses, students (or parents of students).  The road to voting is a click away and yes, this will still be on the test — of democracy.