What are the steps to Voting on
Election Day?
Step 1: Register to vote.
Step 2: Find out where to
vote.
You will receive your polling place information in the mail after
you register. Polling places can change at the last minute, so be
sure to double-check it right before Election Day.
Step 3: Become an educated
voter.
Follow current events and political campaigns, conduct your own
research and learn more about the candidates and issues that are
important to you.
Step 4: Mark your calendar for the
upcoming Election Day and REMEMBER TO VOTE!
Am I eligible to vote?
According to the Federal Election Commission, you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be a resident of the state in which you're planning to register
(If you just moved to a new state for school, see the information
below to find out more about absentee voting.)
- Be at least 18-years-old at the time of the next election
- (Most states require a person to be 18 at least 30 days before
the next election.
Click here for your state's information to see if you'll be
eligible.)
I just moved to St. John’s University,
how do I vote on Election Day?
*In order to be eligible to vote in New York State you must live at
your present address at least 30 days before an election and NOT
claim the right to vote elsewhere.
If you just moved to residence housing at St. John’s University, do
not worry, you can still vote in the upcoming election. You just
may have to do things a little differently. If you are a
resident of the town you live in (have a lease, utility bill in
your name, etc.) you can register and vote where you currently
live.
If you are already registered to vote in your hometown or have
voted in previous elections in your hometown you should inquire to
your local Board of Elections and apply for an Absentee
Ballot.
Many college or university students temporarily living away from
home need to vote absentee. Before you apply for an Absentee Ballot
make sure that you are registered to vote!
To request that an absentee ballot be sent to the address where you
are physically planning to be on Election Day, you must fill out an
absentee ballot request application for your home state. Do
know that different states have different deadlines for when and
how to apply for an absentee ballot. Be sure to consult your
local Board of Elections at the county and state in which you live
for the appropriate information. If you live in on-campus
housing you most likely still have residency in your home state
(the address on your driver's license or ID card) and you can vote
via absentee ballot. Remember it's easy!
I live in the residence halls at St.
John’s University; can I register to vote with my University
address?
Yes, if you live in the residence halls you are entitled to
register to vote out of the residence halls, however, you must live
at your present address at least 30 days before an election and NOT
claim the right to vote elsewhere.
Once I register to vote for the first
time, do I have to re-register again?
You must re-register (complete the whole form all over again), or
provide a written note to your election official, every time you
move or change addresses; make sure you register in the state in
which you are a resident. You must also re-register or provide a
written note to your election official if you change your name.