College Students

College students have unique questions about voting. Learn more about your options for voting as a college student. Remember to update your voter registration every time you move. You can update your address online with VoteWA, by mail, or in person. 

Residential and Mailing Addresses: What should I use?

Your residential address determines the questions and contests that appear on your ballot. You can use either your hometown address or the address where you live at school. Your choice depends on where you want to claim residency. If you live on campus, please provide a dormitory name and room number.  

Example: rather than listing “516 High St” as your residential address at WWU, please include your dorm name and room number (i.e. Higginson Hall Room 246 or Edens Hall Room 321) 

Your mailing address is where your ballot will be mailed. It does not impact the questions and contests that will appear on your ballot.   

Out-of-State Students

You may register to vote in Washington if you live in Washington. Please note that Washington State residency requirements for voting are not the same as residency for in-state tuition purposes. You may vote in only one state. If you were previously registered in another state, cancel your registration in that state when you register in Washington. 

Study Abroad 

If you are a US citizen living outside the US, you can be a voter using your last residential address. Visit our page about Military or US Citizens living Outside the US for more information.

Additional Information

Visit the Washington Secretary of State’s Website for more information about Voters Away at College

Washington Secretary of State Civics Education has more information about Mock Elections, Schools participating in the Campus Voting Challenge, and more info

Best Colleges How to Vote in College has information regarding voter registration state by state, and ways to get involved and stay informed