First, you need to make sure that you are registered to vote in your home state or in DC. To determine whether you are registered, take a look at The League of Women Voters website www.Vote411.org. It will direct you to your jurisdiction's elections office. You can learn more, including election dates, from the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
If you will not be home on election day, you must request an absentee ballot, the special paper ballot mailed to out-of-town citizens. Voters mark the ballot, then return it in the mail to their home state. Each jurisdiction has rules and regulations about requesting an absentee ballot. There are specific forms for overseas and military voters. These forms may not apply to students in the US who are away from their home state. Make certain you have the correct forms and carefully follow all of the instructions. Be sure to sign the ballot and include a photocopy of your ID, if required.
There are strict rules about absentee ballot requests and when they must be returned.
The League of Women Voters online voter guide can direct you to your state's website. Take a look at www.Vote411.org.
If you aren't finding the information you need, please Ask-A-Librarian.
