Voting
Once you’re registered, you can vote!
The Tisch College of Civic Life is an invaluable resource for election news, information, and research.
- Learn how to register, how to vote, and how to access information about upcoming elections at JumboVote.org.
- Explore programs for undergraduate students or graduate students.
Today, at a time when democracy is under threat, Tisch College seeks to build a robust, inclusive democracy for an increasingly multiracial society. The college has one of the biggest research teams devoted to democracy in the U.S. today, including the largest survey of college-age voters in the United States. Review the College’s current research that is driving national conversations about the role of citizens, the health of democratic institutions, voting and elections, and the power of young people.
As a tax-exempt entity, Tufts is prohibited by federal law from participating in or attempting to influence campaigns for any elective public office or any political initiative (such as a public referendum). You are invited to review the University's Policy on Political Activities.
Voting In Person
- Go to the polling place you registered for during operating hours. Casting your ballot only takes a few minutes.
- Students living on campus can check this this list to determine which polling place corresponds to their address.
- Many locations offer early voting to registered voters in the days leading up to election day.
Voting by Mail
- Request your absentee ballot by the deadline. If you sign up for TurboVote, TurboVote will email and text you deadline reminders.
- Mail back your absentee ballot by the deadline.
Mail in ballots can be returned via the U.S. Postal Service. There is a full service post office in Curtis Hall. You can also send mail by placing it in the outgoing mailbox at the Campus Center or the blue USPS collection box on Packard Ave. near West Hall. View a map of where to mail your ballot here.
Studying Abroad?
Eligible voters who are abroad on election day can vote by absentee ballot. For voters abroad, absentee ballots can be requested through the Federal Voting Assistance Program or directly from the election office in the city or town where you are registered to vote.
Resources
- Tufts TurboVote is a free service that will send you personalized reminders for when it’s time to request your vote by mail ballot and other election reminders
- Vote.gov: Voting as a college student
- United States Election Assistance Commission: Register and Vote in Your State
- United States Election Assistance Commission: Voting 101 – Election Information for New Voters
- Jumbo Vote is a student organization that promotes voting
Voting Rates at Tufts
Researchers at Tisch College conduct a major, nation-wide study of college student voting rates called the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement. NSLVE reviews the public voting records in all U.S. jurisdictions to see whether students at participating institutions voted during a federal election. Over 1,200 colleges and universities in all 50 states participate in the study, including Tufts. From this study, we know that Tufts students who are eligible to vote register to vote and actually vote at higher rates than the national average of college students, and that voter participation is much higher during presidential election years than midterm years. More information about Tufts voting rates from the last several federal elections is in our campus NSLVE reports.