Polls by Post: A Commentary on Absentee Ballots
Photo of Absentee ballot form being digitally filled out. Photo by Owen Whelan '27
I’ve found that there’s a sense of pride in voting even if I have to do it in a Champagnat Hall common room and not a public voting place. I still put the same energy and deliberation into each bubble on my absentee ballot in the same way I would in an authorized polling place. Refolding the ballot, I place it back in its envelope and hand it off to the mailroom. Although I won’t get an “I Voted” sticker this year, I still walk away from the post office having completed what many see as a citizen’s obligation.
Absentee ballots, which allow people who are absent from their hometown during election season to vote, are a powerful tool for college students who are away from where they are registered voters. Once a student registers, they'll be mailed a physical paper ballot that, like a Scantron, will require them to “bubble in” their choices with a writing utensil. It’s available for both local elections, like those that took place this November, and federal ones, like the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Mail-in voting became the center of attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will continue to be in 2024 when students -- from New York and beyond -- will be electing a national president. New York State made sure to get people voting, even if they couldn’t show up to the polls. Despite previous barriers, the rate of college voters is rising, with the last presidential election seeing over half of college students cast their ballots. Even with that, young voter turnout is still shockingly low, even as a presidential election looms on the horizon. Initiatives in colleges from this election have seen success across the nation through advocacy programs. This is in part due to the aforementioned pandemic policies, but private initiatives also call for college students to get their voices heard.
The process still isn’t perfect. Not only did I receive my ballot, but I got three unsolicited political ads (as your registered voter address is considered a public record). The actual form is easy to understand and complete, but many contextual details are omitted. Resources like Ballotpedia do try to make this process easier: they allow you to enter your address from where your hometown is to see a breakdown of what amendments are on your ballot and what a “yes” or “no” vote would mean.
Getting an absentee ballot is surprisingly easy in New York. Because I was already registered to vote, the process to request the free ballot took one online form and about two minutes. The hardest part, by far, was researching candidates. It’s no secret that the government wants you to vote, either; New York follows other states in letting residents register online with only a driver’s license, permit, or non-driver ID, making the registration and ballot request possible from a smartphone.
Even if it’s not rooted in the law, there is more than one voice that tells Americans that they should vote. The process is free and easy and makes your voice heard. If you’re not already registered to vote, get on it: the 2024 presidential election won’t wait for you to register when it rolls around next November. Though the 2023 election has come and gone, campaigning for the 2024 elections is already in full swing. If you’re already registered, consider getting your ballot mailed to you if you won’t make it home, and doing your research when it comes time. Nudging your friends to do the same keeps their voices heard throughout their college career in their hometowns and country -- from the comfort of their home away from home.