College Student

If you’re a student in Pennsylvania who has moved to a new county or a new state to attend college, you can still vote. As a college student, you have two choices on where you register to vote. You have the right to register and vote where you live now, whether that is an on-campus or off-campus address. Or, you may choose to register or remain registered and vote at your prior home address.

Here’s more of what college students need to know:

Register to Vote

In order to vote in any election, you must first be a registered voter. You must be registered at least 30 days before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election. Before you register to vote, you will want to make sure you:

• Know the requirements for registering
• Understand how to register

If you are already familiar with the above and would like to begin the registration process immediately, you can download a Voter Registration Mail Application form.

How to Vote

Voting is easy. As long as you are registered, you will be able to vote on Election Day. You’ll want to make sure to:

• Know the location of your polling place
• Familiarize yourself with the voting system at your polling place by viewing the voting system demonstration

Can’t make it to the polls on Election Day? Learn about when and how to use absentee and alternative ballots.

In Pennsylvania, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The busiest times of day to vote are before and after normal working hours. If you can, try going at less-busy times. If you are in line by the time the polls close, you must be allowed to cast your vote.    

Students Studying Abroad

If you will be out of the country and wish to vote, the Federal Voting Assistance Program will guide you through the process.