2006-2008 Kiosk UCSB Student Handbook UCSB Home

Voter Registration Guide

End of Navigation

Why does the University get involved in voter registration?

Why does the University get involved in voter registration? The 1998 reauthorization of the federal Higher Education Act includes a requirement that higher education institutions make a "good faith effort" to make mail voter registration forms available to all enrolled students. This federal legislation supports UCSB's long-standing goals of engendering leadership and citizenship among students.

As a college student living away from home, where should I register?

If you will be at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election and are a citizen of the United States, you may register to vote at either your college address, or your hometown or parent's address. If you register at your hometown address and want to vote while attending college, you must remember to request an absentee ballot at least 30 days before the election. Check with the state election board for the exact deadline.

How do I register to vote?

The Student Affairs Division in conjunction with Associated Students sponsors a non-partisan voter registration drive twice a year. In addition, voter registration forms are available year-round at various campus locations, including the Office of Student Life and the campus Post Office. You can also initiate registration on the California Secretary of State's Web site at www.ss.ca.gov or on the Santa Barbara County Elections Web site at www.sb-democracy.com.

When is it necessary to reregister to vote?

You need to reregister if you move, change your name, wish to change political party affiliations, or if your signature has changed.

I am interested in getting involved in a political organization on campus. What is available?

There are several political organizations on campus including Campus Democrats, College Republicans, CALPIRG and Campus Greens at UCSB. For more information you can contact the Activities Advisor in the Office of Student Life (893-4551) or access the Office of Student Life Web site at http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/orgs

For more information about UCSB's voter registration efforts, please visit the UCSB Voter Registration Web site at http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/voterreg/ or call the special projects coordinator in the Office of Student Life at 893-7884.