THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF VOTER REGISTRATION

If there is a significant voter turnout, elected officials will take the concerns of the college community and young voters more seriously. 

The 1998 Higher Education Act requires all postsecondary institutions to make a good-faith effort to distribute voter registration forms to each degree- or certificate-seeking student who attends classes on campus.  The forms, which are supplied by the state, must be distributed before the registration cut-off date for every federal and gubernatorial election, as well as special elections for federal office.

Postsecondary institutions must request registration forms from the state at least 120 days prior to the deadline for registering to vote.  The state must deliver the forms to you 60 days prior to the registration cut-off date.  (If they don't you no longer have to fulfill the mandate.)  Once you receive the forms, distribution is up to you.