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How to Vote
How to Vote
Make Your Vote Count
Registering to vote is the essential first step in exercising your practice of democracy. As a member of the College community, you may be facing unique choices that can influence how and where you vote. Planning your voting method in advance is key to ensuring your vote counts. Registering to vote and deciding your voting details in advance ensures you're prepared no matter what comes up. Make sure to:
- Check Registration Deadlines: Each state has specific deadlines for voter registration.
- Verify Your Registration: Double-check your voter registration status before the deadline.
- Know Your Voting Options: Research your state’s voting methods and choose the one that works best for you.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of any changes to voting laws or procedures in your state.
All Barnard students who are U.S. citizens are eligible to register and vote in New York. By choosing to do so, you can have a direct impact on local policies and leaders that affect your day-to-day life. Your vote will help decide New York's Congressional and state representatives.
If you feel most connected to the issues and candidates in your home state, then you may choose to stay registered there to make your vote count. This is especially relevant if you plan to return to your home state after graduation.
U.S. citizens can vote in U.S. elections while studying abroad. The U.S. embassy and website for your host country will provide voting abroad resources. In some countries, you can fill out your ballot online.
Voter Eligibility FAQ
As of May 2021, all New Yorkers who are incarcerated after a felony conviction have their voting rights immediately and automatically restored upon release from prison, whether or not they are on parole. You do not need any special documentation to register to vote.
In New York, you CAN vote with a criminal record if you:
- were convicted of a misdemeanor; or
- are on parole; or
- are on probation; or
- were not sentenced to prison or had your prison sentence suspended; or
- served your maximum prison sentence; or
- were pardoned.
New Yorkers who CANNOT vote with a criminal record:
New Yorkers who are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote.
For more information, see the full Know Your Rights guide from the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Federal, state and local elections are limited to U.S. citizens. However, students and employees who are not citizens but are interested in getting involved in the political process can consider working with campaigns and other political groups to testify, advocate and influence legislation in their local community.