How to Have Your Vote Count While at College
No matter where you are on Election Day, your vote counts! Voting is so important that we’re giving the topic its own HaveUHeard blog to make sure you’re prepared when election day rolls around.
Let’s start by making sure you know how to register. If you are not already registered, you can register to vote through this link on the UF website. Or you may have to begin by finding your own state’s requirements, if your permanent address is not in Florida. To register to vote in Florida, you must fill out a new registration form. This can be done online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, by mail, or in person. The form is available for download or – if you prefer to fill out the form in person – there are plenty of places you can grab one. They are available at any County Supervisor of Elections (UF is in Alachua County), any local library, or any entity authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to issue fishing, hunting, or trapping permits.
Vote by Mail…
In Florida, absentee ballots are easy. Any Florida resident has the ability to apply for one and vote by mail. An absentee or “vote by mail” ballot is the best option for any Florida voter who isn’t registered to vote in Gainesville. The vote by mail ballot allows voters to receive their ballot by mail instead of having to go to the polls and vote in person. Be aware of the deadline to request an absentee ballot. This balloting process is conducted BEFORE election day, and is a great idea if you are looking to manage your vote ahead of time or you are unable to be present at the polling station on Election Day. The absentee ballot can be returned by mail or even in person – to a designated location, by a specific deadline.
…By the Deadline…
The deadline to request that a ballot be mailed to you is 5:00pm on the 6th day prior to the election. The completed ballot must be received back no later than 7:00pm on Election Day, or else the vote won’t count! We have heard of many college students whose absentee ballots were not counted in the last Presidential election, so we recommend requesting your absentee ballot early and promptly returning it. This way you know your vote will count. Absentee ballots can be requested on the county Supervisor of Elections website, in writing, by telephone, or in-person at the local office of the Supervisor of Elections.
Another pathway to voting is to register to vote in Gainesville. This will require changing your address on your voter registration. But remember, while as a college student you can maintain a residence in two states, you can only vote in one. If you don’t plan on staying in Florida once you’ve graduated, you’ll probably want to vote using your permanent address from your home state, which – again – means casting an absentee ballot (unless you’re planning on being home on Election Day).
…Or in Person
The Reitz Union serves as an Alachua County polling place in most elections. For the primaries, you can vote at Reitz Union only if it’s in your “district,” which is mainly for on-campus students. For the general election, students registered in Alachua County can vote at any of the Early Voting Locations during the early voting period, including the Reitz. In 2018, the Reitz was the third highest location in voter count in Alachua county. Getting to the polls is super easy, too, because a lot of on-campus organizations usually offer free rides or even discount codes to use for Uber and Lyft to get you there. Keep in mind that many counties open early voting locations, so if your students will be home during this period of time, they can cast their votes there.
Board of Elections Resources
It’s always best to know all the exact whats, whens, and wheres before you make your voting plans. Please click on any of the links below to access each Florida county’s Board of Elections:
If your student is studying abroad, they should request their absentee ballot several months in advance. You can also check here for assistance in requesting that information for Florida. For those residing in another state, use the Usa.gov website.
Every. Vote. Matters.
Voting is important if you want to have a part in making a difference. And you’d better believe that your vote can determine the outcome. Take your vote and use it to make an impact on your world and in the world. Play a part in the upcoming election and in your future. After all, we young voters have the most future to look forward to. Register now, do your civic duty, and make your voice heard! (Was I emphatic enough? Did I make my point?)
If you want to sport a VOTE necklace, you can purchase this one from BYCHARI (which is admittedly expensive). Or you can choose a custom necklace or bracelet on Etsy, or even opt for this one, sold through Uncommon Goods.
Stella J. Fedele & Rebecca Strauss, UF Interns
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