Democracy Initiatives
The Office of Student Services’ goal is to mobilize the MIIS community to be active participants in our democracy. This page provides helpful, nonpartisan resources about ways to engage in civic life, from voting to campaign involvement and activism.
Voter Registration
Check your voter registration status and register to vote HERE.
Request your absentee ballot HERE.
Different states have different deadlines and requirements for voter registration. Click here or scroll to the bottom of this page for state-specific dates and links.
If you have any questions about the voter registration process, connect with your local elections official (in different states this may be a Town Clerk, a Registrar of Voters, or a County Board of Elections Officials). Make sure you register to vote before the deadline, and make plans to vote early if possible!
Absentee Voting Notes
For the most part, getting your absentee ballot is a two step process. You must both request a ballot and return a completed ballot with your vote. This varies from state-to-state (as some states automatically send ballots by mail).
We suggest you mail your absentee ballot requests at least 21 days in advance of Election Day. Most ballots need to be received by your election officials before the end of Election Day, so we suggest you return your completed ballot 14 days before Election Day.
Please note that state deadlines are subject to change, especially in contentious election years as candidates and political parties issue lawsuits on behalf of voters. If you have questions about the vote-by-mail or absentee ballot voting process in your state, connect with your local elections official (in different states this may be a Town Clerk, a Registrar of Voters, or a County Board of Elections Officials). See list of contacts by state here.
Voting in U.S. Elections
This helpful guide to voting in U.S. elections, provided by the Campus Election Engagement Project (CEEP), is a great start to ensure you are set to vote in local, state and national elections. CEEP is a national nonpartisan project that helps administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders at America’s colleges and universities engage students in federal, state, and local elections. They have a plethora of resources, including primary & caucus guides, tips to detect disinformation, and other ideas specifically designed to help university students take an active role in election engagement.
MiddVotes Initiative
MiddVotes is Middlebury College’s nonpartisan student organization dedicated to civic engagement. They have many resources that apply to MIIS students as well!
State-Specific Voting Information
Alabama: Register online or by mail.
Alaska: Register by mail or online.
Arizona: Register online or by mail.
Arkansas: Register by mail.
California: Register online. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Colorado: Register online. Voters may also register in-person anytime before Election Day.
Connecticut: Register online or by mail. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Washington, D.C.: Register online or by mail. Voters may also register in-person during early voting or on Election Day.
Delaware: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Florida: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Georgia: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Hawaii: Register online, by mail, or in-person. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Idaho: Register in-person, online or by mail. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Illinois: Register online or by mail. Voters may also register in-person up to and including on Election Day.
Indiana: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Iowa: Register online, by mail, or in-person. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Kansas: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Kentucky: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Louisiana: Register by mail or in-person. Register online with a valid Louisiana driver’s license.
Maine: Register by mail. Voters may also register in-person up to and including on Election Day.
Maryland: Register online or by mail. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Massachusetts: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Michigan: Register online, by mail, or in-person. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Minnesota: Register by mail or online. Voters may also register in-person up to and including on Election Day.
Mississippi: Register by mail or in-person.
Missouri: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Montana: Register by mail.
Nebraska: Register online or by mail. In-person registration is also available.
Nevada: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
New Hampshire: Register by mail. Voters may also register in-person until Election Day.
New Jersey: Register by mail or in-person.
New Mexico: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
New York: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
North Carolina: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
North Dakota: No voter registration necessary.
Ohio: Register online or by mail.
Oklahoma: Register by mail or in-person.
Oregon: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Pennsylvania: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
Rhode Island: Register online, by mail, or in-person.
South Carolina: Register in-person, online, or by mail.
South Dakota: Register by mail or in-person.
Tennessee: Register online or by mail.
Texas: Register by mail or in-person at your county’s Voter Registrar’s Office.
Utah: Register online or by mail. Voters may also register in-person up to and including on Election Day.
Vermont: Register to vote online, by mail, or in-person up to and including on Election Day.