Another voting controversy against democrats

[JimmyJazz]

Sorry for the screaming headline, but now that I have your attention: I read in the paper over the weekend that seven states have rules that say your first vote has to be in person. This rule discriminates against every out-of-state college freshmen who lives too far from their school to return home and, of course, discriminates against those who can't afford to go home just to vote.

I would say this affects more democrats than republicans in that more young people tend to vote democratic. Also, with such an issue as conscription on the horizon, they are more motivated than ever to vote democratic.

Does anyone have any information on which seven states have this rule in effect? I would love to know if the states are red, blue or purple and if, at this late date, anything can be done.

Thanks for any input you can offer.

[wildeyed]

1. Rock the Vote has good info regarding student voting rights.

I don't know if they address this issue specifically. http://www.rockthevote.com/rtv_campuscamp_natlday.php

Another answer, get the students registered to vote in their college town. If they have lived there 30 days, they are eligible.

[JimmyJazz]

2. I doubt they can claim residency without getting a driver's license

and also, if they live in a swing state, but go to school in a red or blue state, they should be able to vote in the swing state. I will check out the website.

As far as the 30 day rule, doesn't it actually mean 60 days? If you have to wait 30 days to claim residency and then register to vote within 30 days of the election, it means you have to be a resident no later than September 3 which would cut it close for most college students.

Again, I appreciate your response. Thanks.

[wildeyed]

4. I am pretty certain it is just if you lived in a state for 30 days

before an election. So if you moved to town on OCt. 9 and got registered ASAP, you should be allowed to vote.

Also, you don't need a driver's licence or even a picture id to vote. In my state, a piece of mail with your name and address will suffice.

[JimmyJazz]

3. WTF: That website was full of stories about students being

denied their right to vote - one was even from my alma mater. Okay, now I'm pissed. However, I didn't find the list of seven states that specifically require in person votes rather than absentee ballots. It does seem that many states do not consider a dorm room to be a permanent address and, therefore, students are prohibited from voting in that state.

[wildeyed]

5. It is illegal to deny students the right to vote.

Many places try to, but it is illegal. A dorm room is your home if you say it is.

In my city, we have early voting stations on some campuses and neighborhood polling places on others. :)