Vote
Voting gives you the power to shape your community and is one of the most important rights of American citizens.
In every state except North Dakota, citizens must register to vote, and laws regarding the registration process vary by state.
Voting as a college student
As a college student, you can usually register to vote in either your hometown or where you attend college, depending on the residency requirements of your state.
Choose where to vote at Voting as a College Student.
Already registered to vote? Check your registration to make sure.
No matter where you're from or where you plan to vote, you can learn how to register at Voting as a College Student. You can also use the registration tool at Vote 411 Registration.
Registration deadlines
There is no national voter registration deadline. In some states, the last day to register is 30 days before Election Day. In other states, you can register on Election Day. Election Day refers to any election (local, state, or a national election). See your state's voter registration deadlines
Different states have different ID requirements. Check to see if you need to bring your driver’s license or another form of ID so you aren’t prevented from voting. See your state's ID requirements
You can get an ID card at your state motor vehicle office, even if you do not drive. You will need to pay to get an ID card, but there are organizations that may be able to help you with ID-related fees.
You do not need a voter registration card to vote.
Every person is assigned a polling place based on where they live. Find your polling place
Many states offer absentee, mail-in voting, or in person early voting options. See what's possible in your state
Learn how your vote affects your community so you can make an informed decision.
Many election offices post sample ballots online. Some also provide information online or by mail about candidates and ballot measures. Check your state or local election website for more information.
See what’s on your ballot at Vote 411 Voter's Guide.
Support your community by becoming a paid poll worker. Poll worker duties are different depending on where you live. Many local election offices have poll workers do tasks such as:
- Set up a voting location
- Welcome voters
- Confirm voter registration
- Hand out ballots
- Help voters use voting equipment
- Explain voting procedures
As a poll worker, you will be paid for your time. Pay varies depending on location. Learn more about how to become a poll worker
Quick facts
Vote in Minnesota
You're eligible to vote in Minnesota if you're a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and have been a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days. Paying out-of-state tuition or having a driver's license from another state does not necessarily mean you can't vote in Minnesota.
- Voter Registration Deadline: To be determined
- Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline: To be determined
- Mail-in Ballot Submission Deadline: To be determined
- College Students Fact Sheet
- Election Website
Vote in North Dakota
- Voter Registration Deadline: Not required, but need to have a valid form of ID
- Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline: To be determined
- Mail-in Ballot Submission Deadline: To be determined
- College Students Fact Sheet
- Election Website
Vote in South Dakota
- Voter Registration Deadline: To be determined
- Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline: To be determined
- Mail-in Ballot Submission Deadline: To be determined
- College Students Fact Sheet
- Election Website

Your vote is your voice
Voting rights
Visit ACLU to learn about how to exercise your voting rights, resist voter intimidation efforts, and access disability-related accommodations and language assistance at the polls.
Voting problems? Call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866.OUR.VOTE (866.687.8683).