Democracy Initiatives

The Office of Student Services’ goal is to mobilize the MIIS community to be active participants in our democracy. This page provides helpful, nonpartisan resources about ways to engage in civic life, from voting to campaign involvement and activism.
Voter Registration
Check your voter registration status and register to vote
Request your absentee ballot .
Different states have different deadlines and requirements for voter registration. Click here or scroll to the bottom of this page for state-specific dates and links.
If you have any questions about the voter registration process, connect with your local elections official (in different states this may be a Town Clerk, a Registrar of Voters, or a County Board of Elections Officials). Make sure you register to vote before the deadline, and make plans to vote early if possible!
Absentee Voting Notes
For the most part, getting your absentee ballot is a two step process. You must both request a ballot and return a completed ballot with your vote. This varies from state-to-state (as some states automatically send ballots by mail).
We suggest you mail your absentee ballot requests at least 21 days in advance of Election Day. Most ballots need to be received by your election officials before the end of Election Day, so we suggest you return your completed ballot 14 days before Election Day.
Please note that state deadlines are subject to change, especially in contentious election years as candidates and political parties issue lawsuits on behalf of voters. If you have questions about the vote-by-mail or absentee ballot voting process in your state, connect with your local elections official (in different states this may be a Town Clerk, a Registrar of Voters, or a County Board of Elections Officials). See list of contacts by state here.
Voting in U.S. Elections
This , provided by the Campus Election Engagement Project (CEEP), is a great start to ensure you are set to vote in local, state and national elections. CEEP is a national nonpartisan project that helps administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders at America’s colleges and universities engage students in federal, state, and local elections. They have a plethora of resources, including primary & caucus guides, tips to detect disinformation, and other ideas specifically designed to help university students take an active role in election engagement.
MiddVotes Initiative
is Middlebury College’s nonpartisan student organization dedicated to civic engagement. They have many resources that apply to MIIS students as well!
State-Specific Voting Information
Alabama: Register or .
Alaska: Register by or .
Arizona: Register or by .
Arkansas: Register by .
California: Register . Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Colorado: Register . Voters may also register in-person anytime before Election Day.
Connecticut: Register or by . Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Washington, D.C.: Register or by . Voters may also register in-person during early voting or on Election Day.
Delaware: Register , by , or in-person.
Florida: Register , by , or in-person.
Georgia: Register , by , or in-person.
Hawaii: Register , by , or in-person. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Idaho: Register in-person, or by . Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Illinois: Register or by mail. Voters may also register in-person up to and including on Election Day.
Indiana: Register , by mail, or in-person.
Iowa: Register , by , or in-person. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Kansas: Register , by , or in-person.
Kentucky: Register , by , or in-person.
Louisiana: Register by or in-person. Register with a valid Louisiana driver’s license.
Maine: Register by . Voters may also register in-person up to and including on Election Day.
Maryland: Register or by . Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Massachusetts: Register , by , or in-person.
Michigan: Register , , or in-person. Voters may also register in-person on Election Day.
Minnesota: Register by or . Voters may also register in-person up to and including on Election Day.
Mississippi: Register by or in-person.
Missouri: Register , by , or in-person.
Montana: Register by .
Nebraska: Register or by . In-person registration is also available.
Nevada: Register , by , or in-person.
New Hampshire: Register by . Voters may also register in-person until Election Day.
New Jersey: Register by or in-person.
New Mexico: Register , by , or in-person.
New York: Register , by , or in-person.
North Carolina: Register , by , or in-person.
North Dakota: No voter registration necessary.
Ohio: Register or by .
Oklahoma: Register by or in-person.
Oregon: Register , by , or in-person.
Pennsylvania: Register , by , or in-person.
Rhode Island: Register , by , or in-person.
South Carolina: Register in-person, , or by .
South Dakota: Register by or in-person.
Tennessee: Register or by .
Texas: Register by or in-person at your county’s .
Utah: Register or by . Voters may also register in-person up to and including on Election Day.
Vermont: Register to vote , by , or up to and including on Election Day.