USC Student Voting 101
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
We all know the power of voting, and that is why it is so important for us Trojans to be registered and participating voters. If you need a refresher on the process, or are a first-time voter, let me break it down for you!
Check your Registration
Step one will be the same for everyone. Check to see if you have registered here and make sure your information is updated and correct. When I checked, it showed that I was registered in the state of California under my home address. When I realized that, I called my mom to confirm that my ballot had arrived in the mail—it had! California mails ballots to all registered voters, so if you are a California-registered voter, you have likely already received your ballot.
Registration and Absentee Ballots
Next, regardless of where you are from, you can register to vote for the first time or re-register with an updated address of residency. Registering through TurboVote makes it so easy for students. It is as simple as imputing your name, address, and some other basic personal information. The last day to register to vote is October 24th. However, if you are planning to vote in person and miss this deadline, you can register or update your registration at the voting center on Election Day.
If you are a student from out-of-state, in order to vote in your home state, be sure to check for more information about your state and request an absentee ballot.
Voting Methods
Vote by mail: Instead of voting in person on election day, using the mail is an easy alternative. Check your mailbox frequently since California mails ballots to every registered voter. After filling out your ballot, you can mail it back with the provided envelope (any post office or the Village FedEx will do), or find a ballot drop box on or before Election Day. There are two drop boxes at USC including one at the USC Village next to the parking structure (3301 South Hoover Street) and one at the HSC Conference Center and Hyatt House Hotel (1618 San Pablo Street). Drop boxes opened starting October 11th, and will close at 8pm on November 8th.
Vote In-Person: You can also choose to vote in person on Election Day, although California mainly conducts elections via mail. First-time voters in California need to bring a form of ID with them. Go to this website and input your address to find the closest in-person polling location to you.
Summary of Key Deadlines
Registration Deadlines for California
Nov 8: In-person at voting location on Election Day
Oct 24 by 11:59 p.m. PDT: Online
Voting Deadlines for California
Nov 8: Return ballot by mail (postmarked by or on Nov 8)
Nov 8 by 8:00 p.m. PST: Return ballot in person
Oct 10: California starts sending ballots to all active registered voters
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