We provide resources and information on nonpartisan voter engagement for L&C students. As a part of a long standing tradition of exploring, learning, and working together, Lewis & Clark College values and protects the freedom of students, faculty, and staff to express political views, to exercise their right to vote, and to participate in the electoral process.
As a college student, you have the option of voting in Oregon or your home state. However, youcannotbe registered in both locations. If you register to vote in your home state, you will need to sign-up for anAbsentee Ballotand regulations vary by state.Absentee ballots are available 45 days before the election. You have the right to vote in any state where you have a temporary or permanent residence.
The Ballot Bulletin
The “who, what, when, where, why, and how” to vote
Be the change you want to see! Use your voice! Check out the following articles to find out more about the importance of voting.
Qualifications vary per state. Generally, you are eligible if you are at least 16 years old, and a citizen of the United States. Check here to see if you’re eligible.
Get a driver’s license or your social security information.
If you wish to vote in Oregon do not have an Oregon driver license, permit or ID card, you must print and fill out a paper voter registration card, sign the form, and return it by mail or deliver it in person to the Board of Elections. (This is NOT your absentee ballot.) You can also get a paper registration form at your local U.S. Post Office or public library.
If voting out-of-state without a driver’s license, states will accept the last four digits of your social security number (except in KY, TN, and VA require your full SSN).
Get stamps for your absentee ballot or absentee ballot request (if needed). You can request them from the L&C Mailroom (Courtesy of Palatine Voters Hill Club).
Find out what’s on your ballot and research candidates to make informed decisions. Check Ballotpedia.org or JustFacts to investigate further.
Generally, you must register to vote or change your address 30 days prior to an election. Check here to research deadlines. Online, by mail, and in person registration deadlines vary.
If you plan to vote via absentee ballot, be sure to give yourself ample time to request your ballot.
Vote-by-mail with absentee ballots. Request your absentee ballot here.
Find polling places here (if you happen to be in your state during elections).
In Oregon:
Vote-by-mail is the only way to vote in Multnomah County. Once you fill out your ballot, place it in the return envelope provided to you, and make sure you sign the back! Then, take your ballot to a post office or the L&C Mailroom.
Find a ballot drop site that works for you. The county elections office has official 24-hour ballot drop sites.
Overseas citizens and U.S. military personnel can find information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the Overseas Vote Foundation. See this resource for step by step instructions on the process.
Request your overseas absentee ballot here. Depending on the state, you may have to physically print, fill out, and mail your absentee ballot to the United States from your host country. If you would like more guidance for overseas voting, check out this article.
Voter Advocacy and Education Resources
The ALL IN is a national, nonpartisan initiative that supports Lewis & Clark College by working to improve civic learning, political engagement, and voter participation. Our goal is to uphold our institutional commitment to democracy by fostering a culture of collaboration and leadership with other universities and colleges across the United States. With this partnership, we aim to foster the civic responsibility of the Pio community in the political sphere. Check out our Lewis & Clark College 2024 Democratic Engagement Action Plan for more details.
Sign up for the Palatine Voters Club Newsletter for all things political! You can also follow The Center For Social Change or Palatine Hill Voters Club on Instagram for updates on voter-related events and activities! Or if you wanna make some new friends. Also, consult with your RA for more details regarding debate watch parties or candidate research forums on campus.
If you would like to get more involved, or have any questions, email leadserve@lclark.edu, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Happy voting!
Social Change and Community Involvement is located in room 321 of Fowler Student Center on the Undergraduate Campus.
