Student voter registration: Yes you can

There have been reports of rogue political operatives attempting to disrupt student voter registration drives by spreading false information. Students should not let anyone tell them it is illegal to register in the state where they attend school, or that they must be a "permanent" resident, or (in most states) that they must have lived in the state for a certain period of time before they can vote.

In general, a student who declares themselves a resident of the state in which they are attending school can register with the election commission in their county of residence. Registration deadlines vary by state, and some states have minimum length of residency requirements that generally correspond to the registration deadline with a few exceptions.

Students should consider registering in person at their county election commission office so election officials can answer any questions and issue a voter registration card. This will help avoid confusion and delays on election day. Some states require proof of residency such as a student ID, utility bill, etc., and some states require photo ID or other official government issued forms of ID. Students should check with county or state election officials to find out what kind of ID they should bring.

States allow students or anyone else to register by mail, but require voting in person the first time (i.e. not by absentee/mail-in) and additional proof of identity.

Students of course have the option to vote in their home state by absentee ballot.

Registering to vote in one state invalidates voter registration in any other state. If a student is planning to go home for the summer and does not know what their address will be in the fall, they can register now at their current address and then file a change of address form as soon they know their new address in the fall.

In general, anyone who is a resident of the state and is 18 or will be 18 on election day and is not a convicted felon and has not been declared mentally incompetent is eligible to vote in that state. Following are links to election division web pages with more detailed voter registration requirements and links to online forms.

• Alabama: Deadline: 10 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Arkansas: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election (resident for 31 days prior to election). Registration form

• Florida: Deadline: 29 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Georgia: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Kentucky: Deadline: 29 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Louisiana: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Mississippi: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• North Carolina: Deadline: 25 days prior to election (resident for 30 days prior to election). Registration form

• South Carolina: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Tennessee: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Texas: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Virginia: Deadline: 29 days prior to an election (shorter deadlines for special elections). Registration form

• West Virginia: Deadline: 21 days prior to an election. Registration form

DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Check with the
local election commission or state election officials for specifics.