You're studying in DC, but may be registered to vote in your home state and want a say in your state's choices. Or you may want to register to vote in DC. Here's how to check your state's deadline if you're mailing an absentee ballot, register to vote in Washington, DC, and more!

Want to Vote in Your Home State?

Step 1. Check This Guide to Find Your State's Rules

Every state has its own rules and deadlines. Deadlines to request ballots are approaching, so check your state's deadline. For details on what states require, the Guide to Requesting Your Ballot by State will walk you through what to do for your own state.

Step 2. Receive your Ballot and Vote

Once you receive your ballot, your state may have specific rules on how to vote. States my require you to submit copies of your ID, have the notarized signature of a witness, and/or seal the envelope in a prescribed way. Pay attention to these rules and the deadline by which the ballot must be received or postmarked. 

Mark These Dates

October 26, 27 & 28

AU Votes Days. Drop by our tables for help mailing your absentee or mail-in ballot and, if required by your state, have it notarized. We'll provide supplies, postage, and assistance with navigating your own state's requirements!

• Wednesday, Oct. 26, 11 am - 2:30 pm. The Bridge.
• Thursday, Oct. 27, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. SIS Atrium.
• Friday, Oct. 28, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. MGC 1st Floor Lobby.

November 1

Last day to mail completed ballot via US Postal Service (USPS) to ensure it arrives by Election Day. Thirty states currently require that absentee or mail-in ballots be received by Election Day. (The other 20 states and DC allow ballots to be postmarked by/on Election Day.) If you miss your deadline, we recommend using USPS Priority Mail Express to expedite delivery. 

November 8

Election Day. Vote in person (if you haven't already voted early or absentee). 

Want to Register to Vote in DC?

If you live on-campus in a residence hall, at Frequency apartments, or in off-campus housing in DC and would like to register to vote in Washington, DC, here's how to do it. Same-Day Registration is available at all Vote Centers during the Early Voting period and on Election Day. You must bring proof of residency.

• Early Vote Centers: Oct. 31 – Nov 6, 8:30 am - 7 pm. You may register and cast your ballot at any Early Vote Center.
• Election Day Vote Center: Nov. 8, 7 am - 8 pm. You may register and cast your ballot at any Election Day Vote Center.

Proof of Residency for On-Campus Students

Any student living on-campus can message Housing & Residential Life (HRL) at housing@american.edu and request an address verification form that includes your name, address, and dates living in the residence halls. Here's how to write your address when completing your DC voter registration form.

Main Campus Residence Halls

First Name Last Name
Room #, Residence Hall Name
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016

Example:
Quinta Abbott
1234 Letts Hall
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016

Frequency Apartments

First Name Last Name
4000 Brandywine St NW
Apt #
Washington, DC 20016

Note: Your residence hall is used to determine which Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) district in which you are placed. AU’s main campus is divided into two ANC districts, 3E07 and 3E08. 

Helpful Links

• Don't have your state ID? You can get assistance from VoteRiders
• Need to check if you're registered to vote, see what's on your local ballot, or find other localized information? See VOTE411
• Are you a US citizen overseas or in the military? See Overseas and Military Voter Information

Please note that the most up-to-date and accurate voting resource will always be your state or local election office website, which you can find at www.usa.gov/election-office. The AU Votes website is operated by AU staff using broadly available, nonpartisan resources.

Volunteer! 

Can you share voting information with your organization or class? Want to get a reminder or key dates? Let us know!

AU Votes Sign-Up 

This information was retrieved from vote.org; The most up-to-date election information can be found at your state or local election authority.