Voting From Campus: What Students Should Know
Bree Maciel
The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election is surrounded by uncertainty. We're worried about voter fraud, defunding and obstruction of the USPS, and disenfranchisement of certain communities. Making your voice heard is more important than ever, and here are some tips to help you know how to place your vote, even if you're not voting from your home state
The Basic Requirements to Vote:
Be a current United States citizen
Be a current resident of the State you register for
Be 18 years old or older by the day of election
Must have no current felony charges or convictions
Each state may have different requirements for voter eligibility, so make sure you do some research on your state’s specific requirements.
Online Voter Registration:
Go to Google.com (or any search engine)
In the search window, type “Register to Vote.”
Choose the state in which you are a resident.
The state registration page will appear and will have information on a voter’s eligibility.
To register, follow the instructions.
Register by mail (Oregon resident):
Scroll down to “Register to vote in Oregon.”
Click on the link in the “By mail” section.
Print and fill out the form.
Mail to one of your local election offices (they are listed on the form).
Register by mail (Out-of-State Voter):
Scroll down to “Out-of-State & Absentee Voter Registration.”
Click on the link in the “Out-of-State” section.
Print and fill out the form.
Mail to one of your local election offices that are listed on the form.
Voting by mail on campus:
Make sure you are registered to vote.
Your ballot will most likely be sent to your parents or legal guardians if you have not listed the university as your residence. Ask them to forward it to you as soon as they receive it.
When you receive your ballot, fill it out, place it in the security envelope, then place it in the ballot return envelope and sign it on the back.
The ballot return envelope can be stamped and mailed or dropped off at any official drop box across the state. Here is a link to some local drop box locations: https://www.co.yamhill.or.us/content/ballot-drop-sites
Here are some last things you should know before you vote!
Your vote counts! It may seem like your one vote may not make a difference, but it does. Make your voice heard, and participate in the world around you. You matter and your vote matters.
Know your beliefs. It is good as a voter to already know what you believe in and how that relates to the different political parties.
Do your research. As a voter you should research each of the candidates and vote for the one you think will do the best job. Do not just blindly vote for people who you don’t know.
Ask Around. Don’t be afraid to ask faculty members or other students about their voting experience or any other questions you may have regarding the process.
Sources: Richard Silver (mailroom director), USPS, I am a voter, etc.
Image Credit: Vote.gov