(Photo courtesy of iStock) “Person voting in an election”
Amy Lam
Connector Contributor
November 4, 2025, is Election Day. Remember the date. Numerous college students agree that voting matters, but are left in the dark on how to register. They believe in the importance of voicing concerns on issues they deeply care about. Don’t worry, The Connector got students back with an easy voter guide!
It is easy to register and check registration status through your state’s website. In general, there are three questions to verify eligible voters: Are you a citizen of the United States of America, are you at least 16 years old, and do you have an ID issued by your state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles?
If all the questions are answered with yes, you will provide your first name, last name, date of birth, and an ID number. Acceptable forms of ID include driver’s license, learner’s permit, and state ID. After this form is completed, another form appears asking for an address of current residency and to choose a party affiliation, political designation, or no party. Once completed, your city or town hall looks over your application to confirm the information.
To check registration status, go through your state’s website and select “Check your registration status”. That sends another link to a quick 30 second form to fill out. It simply requires a first name, last name, date of birth, and ZIP code. If successfully registered, voting status, party, ward number, precinct number, voting location, city or town clerk, and elected state officials are shown. Voting status is either inactive or active.
Ward numbers and precinct numbers representing areas within a neighborhood assigned to a specific voting location. Voting locations are designated places where voters go to cast their ballots. When arriving at a voting location, remember to bring ID and know the ward and precinct numbers. City or town clerks are useful for providing information. The list of state officials presented is for direct contact and getting to know about their work.
As mentioned before, individuals are either inactive or active voters. How do you change from an inactive to an active voter? Simply follow the steps for registration. Within a few days, the status will change.
Can’t make it on Election Day? Have no worries, an alternative method is to vote by mail. Individuals with disabilities can participate in voting too.
This option accommodates disabilities. There are two options to apply for mail-in ballot, online and physical copy. For the online application, enter the required fields to verify registration status. On the next steps, complete the ballot information and click “Submit Mail-In Ballot Application”. For the paper application for mail-in ballots, fill in information for full name, address, date of birth, and sign a signature at the bottom. When completed, send it to your city or town hall.
Still want to cast a vote from overseas, away from the town, incarcerated, in the hospital, or on active duty? An absentee ballot is the best choice. To find the form for an absentee ballot scroll further down from the “Vote by Mail” page. Fill out voter information, ballot information, and sign the document. The document can be filled out by a relative for special circumstances. Send it out to your city or town hall and the task is done.
Voting doesn’t need to be complicated. With the information provided, the process of registering to vote is straightforward. The guide is meant to help all students on how to vote as well as build conversation with family members in the process by considering languages and accessibility. Using the newfound knowledge, start registering as a voter today for your state election.
