Can international students vote in the US election?

The US is holding a presidential election on 5 November 2024. In this election voters will choose the country’s next president and vice-president. 

The choice is between Democratic party representative Kamala Harris and Republican party representative Donald Trump.

Who can vote in the US election?

Only US citizens are eligible to vote in the US election, which means most international students will be unable to vote.

However, people with dual citizenship in the US are allowed to vote. 

Eligible voters can vote for any candidate, regardless of which party they are registered with or who they may have voted for in the past. 

If you are a US citizen who is currently studying abroad, you can vote via absentee voting (you need to have registered for this at least 45 days prior to the election).

If you are a US citizen but have never lived in the US (parents are US citizens), you might also be eligible to vote depending on which state your parents lived in.

How can international students get involved in the US election?

One of the best ways for international students to get involved is to remind your friends who are able to vote to go out and vote.

Attending events and talks on campus can help you learn about what the different candidates are promising and how their policies might affect you as a university student. 

Getting involved in campaigning and events for the political party you align with is also a good way to play an active role in the upcoming election. 

Key deadlines

Each state has its own voter registration deadlines, except North Dakota, which does not require voters to register.

What happens on the day?

If you are eligible to vote and have registered in time, you will be able to vote at your nearest polling station on 5 November. 

It’s important to note that you are not allowed to vote online.

Each state has its own voter ID rules, but most will require voters to bring some form of ID with them to vote in person. Check the voter ID rules in your state before heading down to the polling station.