Kent State Votes Students on the Kent Campus

Your Vote. Your Future.


They say young people don’t vote—prove them wrong. Kent State Votes is here to make sure you have everything you need to break the mold and show up at the polls. Your vote isn’t just a choice; it’s a statement that your generation is ready to lead, inspire and create change.

Watch this video to learn more about the history of voting and why your vote is so important!

Your Complete Voting Toolkit

1. Eligibility

Determine if you are eligible.

You can vote in U.S. elections if you:

  • Are a U.S. citizen
  • Meet your state’s residency requirements
    • You can be experiencing homelessness and still meet these requirements
    • College students are entitled to register and vote in the community that they regard as their principal residence
  • Are 18 years old on or before Election Day
    • In almost every state, you can register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 by Election Day (this is the case in Ohio)
  • Are registered to vote by your state’s registration deadline (Ohio’s is April 7 for the May 6th election)
2. Registration Status

Check your registration status.

If you're unsure whether you're registered to vote, it's a good idea to check your registration status. Ensuring that your registration is accurate and active is crucial for a smooth voting experience.

If you aren't registered to vote, be sure to register before the deadline. In Ohio, you must register at least 30 days before Election Day. For the upcoming May 6, 2025 election, you must complete your registration by April 7.

3. How to Register by April 7

Get registered now.

Learn how to register to vote as an Ohio resident or out-of-state student.

4. Understanding the Ballot

Research your ballot.

Before you cast your vote, it's crucial to understand what’s on your ballot.

5. Voting - How, When and Where?

Know your voting options and cast your vote!

Explore the different methods of voting available to you, whether it's in-person on Election Day, early voting, or voting by mail. Stay informed about your voting options and locations and ensure you’re prepared to participate in the upcoming election.

6. Finalize Your Voting Plan

Choose Your Place

Decide where you'll cast your vote. Whether you prefer voting in person at a polling location or sending in an absentee ballot, make sure you know your options.

Choose Your Method

Determine how you want to vote. Will you vote early, on Election Day, or by mail? Each option has different steps, so pick the one that fits your needs best.

Choose Your Timing

Plan when you'll vote. Early voting offers flexibility, while Election Day voting might mean planning around your schedule. Make sure you’re aware of any deadlines!

Find Your Location

If you’re voting in person, find your polling place. Use the resources available to confirm where you need to go, whether it's a designated polling station or dropbox.

Plan Ahead

Know dates, times and directions. Consider potential drive times and wait times at polling places. Prepare early to make voting easy and stress-free!

Prefer an interactive guide to your next steps? Want to skip all the reading?  
See our Quick Start Voter Guide to get access to the resources you need.

Quick Start Voter Guide

Events & Resources

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MAC Votes Challenge
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Election-Related Stress Toolkit
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Post-Election Reflections - Nov. 7
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All Other Events

MAC Votes Challenge

The MAC Votes Challenge is in its first year of existence. Our fellow universities throughout the Mid-American Athletic Conference are competing against each other to see which school’s student body and athletic department best support students’ voter engagement, register to vote, and turn out to vote. 

One way any student can help Kent State succeed in this challenge is to submit a pledge to vote. The pledge will count toward Kent State’s overall total, which is one of the criteria taken into consideration when determining the MAC Votes Challenge winner.

Pledge To Vote Today

Election-Related Stress Toolkit

Feeling anxious about the upcoming U.S. election?  You’re not alone.  As we anticipate the outcome of the 2024 election, many in our community are apprehensive, worried, and stressed about the potential impact and consequences.   Use these tips to navigate your stress and emotions, protect your mental health, and maintain your well-being in the coming weeks and months. 

View Election-Related Stress Toolkit

Post-Election Reflections: Navigating Emotions and Wellness in the Kent State Community

Please join us as we process the recent impacts of the presidential election. Whether the votes are still being counted or a winner has been projected, we have witnessed strong feelings and attitudes expressed during this campaign cycle. The election represents many different values to members of the Kent State community. This discussion will allow community members to process the election and provide wellness tips as we head into the winter months.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 7 
Time: 4 -5 p.m. 
Location: Kent Student Center 313

Note: Registration is highly encouraged but not required.

More Events

 

Lessons in Leadership: Navigating Election Season Conversations

Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 6-7 p.m. | Pepsi Leadership Center

Join the Leadership Center for a discussion on navigating election season conversations with confidence. Follow @kentstateleads on Instagram for more information.

 

Post-Election Holding Spaces

The Division of Student Life will be hosting a variety of post-election events designed to creating space for connection and community!

  • Holding Space at the Williamson House (off Midway Dr. near RT59)
    • Kindness Rocks: Wednesdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 | noon-1 p.m.
    • Meditation: Thursday, Nov. 7 | noon-1 p.m.
    • Bracelet Making: Friday, Nov. 8 | 3:30-5 p.m.
  • Holding Space at Student Accessibility Services (1st floor Library, past elevators)
    • Color for Calmness: Tuesdays, Nov. 5 and 12 | Wednesdays, Nov. 6 and 13 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day
  • Holding Space at the LGBTQ+ Center (Lower Level, KSC)
    • Movies, popcorn, arts and crafts: Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Hot Cocoa and Hangout at the Moore Center (206 KSC)
    • Enjoy hot cocoa and hang out: Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Global Community Hour with Intercultural Student Life (219 KSC)
    • For all students (international and American) to come together, play games, talk, and have snacks: Thursday, Nov. 7 | 3-4:30 p.m.
       

 

 

Contact Us

Questions? Contact Us!

Craig Berger 
Associate Director, Community Engaged Learning 
cberge11@kent.edu

A'kyra Holley
Director of Governmental Affairs, USG 
aholley4@kent.edu

Barb Hipsman Springer 
Faculty Emerita, School of Media and Journalism 
League of Women Voters-Kent
bhipsman@kent.edu

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