The 2024 presidential election is only a few months away, so make sure you and your friends are registered to vote.
First things first, how do you know if you can vote in the 2024 election? The requirements for voting in the United States are simple. You must be at least 17 and a half years old. You must be a United States citizen. And you need to register to vote using your permanent address.
This is where it gets complicated for college students, because your voting is tied to where you live, and most places require you to give a permanent address. If you are attending college out of state or even across the state, this may mean you need to drive home to vote in person or apply for an absentee ballot to be sent to you through the mail.
Absentee ballots are here for anyone who can’t make it home for election day. Some states require a reason or only allow certain people to get absentee ballots. So, make sure to check your home state’s requirements and policies regarding absentee voting
An absentee ballot is typically mailed to you before or after the election day, depending on when you apply. When you receive the ballot, you will need to vote, this needs to be done privately. Some states will require you to vote with a notary present, this can mean just going to the post office to vote, and then you can seal up the ballot and mail it off. Simple as that, just make sure no one else sees your ballot so your vote is confidential.
If you know where you are voting, we have gathered the links for voting registration information and forms for the surrounding states and are happy to provide them to you.
Missouri – Due Oct. 9
For voters who live in St. Charles, MO, registration is online and due by Oct. 9. Other Missouri residents who plan on voting in-person (meaning where your permanent address is) can also register online. You can go register now on the Secretary of State’s website. You can also go to the same link if you need to check on your registration status.
If you are a Missouri resident who needs an absentee ballot it is a different kind of registration. You need to fill out this form and mail it to your local election authorities. You can find out where to mail it to based on your home address, using this website. These forms will be accepted until the second Wednesday before the election, which happens to be Oct. 9. Some local authorities may also allow for absentee voting forms to be emailed in, but you must check your local election office’s website to verify.
Illinois – Due Oct. 20
Illinois residents can apply to vote in-person in their hometown or check their registration status on the Illinois election website. This will be open until Oct. 20. If you wish to mail in your registration, it will be due by Oct. 8.
For anyone who wants to register for an absentee ballot with an Illinois address, you will need to submit an absentee ballot request at least 5 days before the election (meaning Oct. 31). One place to request an absentee ballot is VOTE411. As soon as you finish the application, make sure to mail it to your local election office. A tool to find your specific election office is here.
Arkansas – Due Oct. 7
If you are voting in the state of Arkansas, the deadline to register is Oct. 7. This is for in-person voting, meaning you will be in the county the day of the election. Arkansas Secretary of State, John Thurston, has a link to register and one to check your registration status on his website.
If you are planning on voting by mail, here is a list of all the local election offices. You can fill out this application and send it to your local county clerk to apply for an absentee ballot.
Kansas – Due Oct. 15
If you are a resident of Kansas, you can use the State Revenue Office’s website to register to vote online. The deadline for registration in Kansas is Oct. 15.
Absentee ballots for the state of Kansas must be received by Oct. 28 and can only be sent via mail or filled out in person. The form can be found on Vote.org. Use this website to find your local election office and their address once you have filled out the form.
Oklahoma – Due Oct. 11
Deadlines for Oklahoma voter registration are all set for Oct.11. Oklahoma has a voter portal where you can register.
Absentee voting can be applied for up until Oct. 20. Use the voter portal to request an absentee ballot. You can also find a form and address to mail your application to if you don’t want to apply online.
Iowa – Due Oct. 21
Iowa voting registration must be completed by Oct. 21 both online and by mail. Iowa Dot has the online voter registration form up now for people who want to register using their driver’s license. Otherwise, you need to fill out a paper registration form and send it to your local election office.
To apply for an absentee ballot from Iowa, you need to fill out this application form and send it to your local election office. To find your local election office go to this website.
General Reminders
Just remember, no matter where or how you are voting, you must register to vote. Most applications for absentee ballots require you to be an already registered voter. Voting is a right for American citizens, and while it is not mandatory, many people will say it is a social obligation.
If you need any help finding links or registration forms go online, most states have websites for voting or their State Secretary will have links on their website.
