College students: Got voting questions? We have answers.

You're fired up about the issues at play this Election Day. You've read up on the candidates and you know which way you plan to vote. You don't need anyone to tell you how powerful your vote is. But maybe you're still a little hazy on the details of how to actually … cast your ballot?

Compared to the work you're already putting in on classes, labs, reading and extracurriculars, voting is easy. But especially if you're new to it, it's totally normal to have questions. We asked UC students on social media what questions they have about voting in the Nov. 5 election and got tons of responses.

We delved into information provided by election experts like the California Secretary of State's Office and our partners at Rock the Vote to get you the answers you need.

Click on a question to jump to the answer.

1. Okay, so first I need to register. Where do I start?

2. As a college student, should I use my school address to register, or my home?

3. Does registering to vote affect my financial aid or tuition?

4. When do I need to register by?

5. I'm all registered. Now what?

6. I got my ballot in the mail! And then … I lost it. Now what?

7. I'm registered in California, but I'm studying abroad this term. Can I get a California ballot at my temporary address?

8. Will my campus have a polling place?

9. Can I vote online?

10. I'm not eligible to vote in this election. Can I still get involved?

Okay, so first I need to register. Where do I start?

Start here by filling out some basic information. You'll be directed to your state's election website to finish registering. You can do it all online in about five minutes.

To register and vote in the upcoming general election, you'll need to be 18 on Nov. 5, which is Election Day.

Not old enough to vote this year? If you live in California and you're 16 or 17, you can pre-register here. So the minute you do turn 18, you'll be all set to head out and vote in the next election.

As a college student, should I use my school address to register, or my home?

You can pick either one, and the choice is up to you. One way to decide? Consider where your vote will have the most impact on the races or issues you care about.

Is your UC campus in an area that's pretty evenly split between the political parties? If so, using your college address to register and vote might make a bigger difference for the candidates you want to win.

Or maybe there's an important local measure on the ballot in your home town and you want the chance to weigh in on it. In that case, you'd want to register and vote using your family's home address.

There's no wrong answer, and in California, it's easy to change your registration address before every election, so what you decide for November doesn't lock you in for future elections.

Does registering to vote affect my financial aid or tuition?

Nope! Whether you register, or the address you use if you do register, will not affect federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins or Stafford loans. And if you are attending UC as an out-of-state student, you can still choose to register and vote in California, knowing that it will not affect your state residency status when it comes to tuition.

Whether and where you register to vote also has no bearing on your parents' being able to claim you as a dependent on your FAFSA forms or their tax filing.

When do I need to register by?

In California, the last day to register online is Oct. 21. But if you miss that deadline (relatable!), you can still vote. After Oct. 21, California voters can register at their county elections offices or use Same Day Registration on Election Day. Learn more about Same Day Voter Registration.

Visit UC Votes to get informed, get inspired and get ready to make your voice heard this November.

I can register online … so can I vote online, too?

No. Some nations have introduced online voting, but the United States isn't one of them. In California and across the U.S., every voter must cast a paper ballot. Thankfully, California makes it easy, with options for casting your vote by mail, at a secure ballot drop-box, at an early voting center, or at your polling place on Election Day.

I'm not eligible to vote in this election. Can I still get involved?

Absolutely. For starters, you may be able to sign up to work at the polls on Election Day. The job involves setting up and breaking down polling places, helping voters navigate the process and understand their rights, and keeping ballots secure. It's fun, it's vital to the democratic process, and best of all, it pays! (The amount varies by county.)

To work the polls as a UC student, you need to be a registered voter in California or a legal resident who would be eligible to vote if they were a U.S. citizen. Learn more or apply to work the polls.

You don't have to join an organized group or take on a big-time commitment to make a difference this election season. If you're not eligible to vote, talk to your friends who are about why their vote matters - not just to the country and your community, but to you.

The California Secretary of State's Office is the state agency that runs elections. (Fun fact: Secretary of State Shirley Weber is a UCLA alum. Go Bruins!) Their 2024 General Election College Student Voter Resource Guide has key dates, what to expect on your ballot, tons of helpful links and even some fun social media graphics.

Get the guide