U.S. College Student Voters
College students who are U.S. citizens may choose to vote in their home state or in the state of their college. Vote.gov offers information for college students about considerations on how to choose where to vote, how to vote during study abroad, and voter registration options. The Iowa Secretary of State also offers a college student voting guide.
- Voting from outside the US: The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers comprehensive information for US citizens voting from abroad.
International Student Engagement
Grinnell College prides itself on being a gathering place for citizens from across the country and around the world. Students come from over 60 countries – each with different governmental structures and systems.
U.S. Elections
You must be a U.S. citizen to vote in U.S. elections (and there are federal prohibitions related to financial and other participation in U.S. elections) but there are many other ways to engage civically:
- Learn More: Visit Get Informed for information about the structure of Iowa’s state government as well as the U.S. federal government.
- Attend Educational Events: Check out “civic engagement” events on the Grinnell College Calendar — educational events, discussions, and watch parties. Feel free to offer your questions and share your unique perspectives.
- Non-voters may participate as “observers” when the Democratic and Republican parties of Iowa select delegates for their party’s presidential nominating conventions every four years. People interested in the process should consult party rules for observers at caucuses or county party conventions.
Voting in your Home Country’s Elections
Many democratic nations around the globe allow and invite voter participation from abroad. With advance planning, it may be possible to stay involved at home — even while you are a student here in the U.S. Feel free to visit with staff in the Office of International Student Affairs or the Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs.
Suspected or known violations of this policy should be reported through EthicsPoint.