USF Prepares for November Election

In the last presidential election in 2020, 75.1 percent of USF students voted. And USF was recognized for nearly 40 percent voter participation in the 2022 midterm elections by the All In Campus Democracy Challenge, a nonpartisan group that is building the college student voting bloc.

This year, the USFVotes campus team is working to register students, faculty, and staff to vote and is providing information about candidates and the election.

“This election is one of the most monumental in our lifetime, with more women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ candidates on the ballot at the local, state, and federal levels,” said Angeline Vuong, who oversees USFVotes as associate director of community engagement and public service programs at the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good.

“By encouraging students to register to vote, learn about the issues, and cast their ballots, we can help to ensure their voices are heard and that the election reflects the values and priorities of the next generation,” she said.

Questions? Here’s the information you need.

How do I register to vote? What if I think I’m already registered to vote?

Check out the USFVotes one-stop shop to register to vote, find out if you’re already registered, request an absentee ballot, find your polling place, and find the answers to other questions.

Where should I register to vote?

Voter registration is tied to where you live. As a college student, you can register to vote either in your hometown or where you attend college. You can only vote in one place. If you choose to vote in California, you are eligible if you are a U.S. citizen, age 18, and live in California. Questions? Check Vote.gov for more information.

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

Each state’s deadline is different. For California, it’s Oct. 21 for online registration and for registration by mail and Nov. 5 in person at your voting location on Election Day. Check Vote.gov for other state voter registration deadlines.

Can undocumented people vote?

Only U.S. citizens can vote, but students who are ineligible to vote are invited to participate in all USFVotes activities.

How can I learn more about the candidates?

Get free, factual, unbiased information on the 2024 candidates at votesmart.org.

What if I’m not going to be here on Nov. 5?

If you wish to vote by absentee ballot because you won’t be able to get to your polling place on Nov. 5, check this state-by-state list of absentee ballot deadlines,

How can I take care of myself during this election season?

Counseling & Psychological Services has an Election Self-Care Kit, and the Gleeson Library has a guide for how to spot fake news and misinformation.

What’s happening on campus?

Register to vote at election pop-ups, check out election events, and catch the 2024 election watch party on election night.