Folks, we’re less than one month away from Election Day.

Even if you aren’t from Pennsylvania, you are legally permitted, as a Penn State student, to vote in Pennsylvania by registering to vote with the address of where you live while attending college. As long as you are a United States citizen, are at least 18 years old, and have lived at your address for at least 30 days you can vote in Pennsylvania.

How To Register

Don’t worry, the process is quick and simple! For instance, Vote.PA says it takes about six minutes to register to vote.

Out-of-state Penn State students can register to vote in Pennsylvania online or in person. Since this is your first time voting in Pennsylvania, you’ll be filling out a new registration form. The online option can be found on PSU Votes, which also answers frequently asked questions regarding deadlines, where to vote, and how to vote. The online registration form can also be accessed here.

If you prefer to register in person, there is a stand inside the Pollock Road entrance to the HUB where you can scan a QR code to fill out the form, or you can fill out a physical copy on the spot. The person working the stand can drop off the form for you once it’s filled out, or you can mail it to the Centre County Elections office.

It can take days to weeks before your voting registration application is received and approved, and you can check your status here while you wait. You’ll receive email confirmation once you’ve been approved. Once you do get confirmation, you should cancel your registration in the state you were previously registered to vote in. You can find the form for your state here.

Deadlines

The deadline to register to vote or switch your voting registration to Pennsylvania is Monday, October 21. The Centre County Elections office must receive your application by that day, so get it done as soon as possible.

If you want to apply for a mail-in ballot, your mail-in ballot application must be received by the Centre County Elections office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29. If you indicate on the registration application that you want to do mail-in, this does not apply to you.

Why Vote In Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is one of seven swing states expected to decide the outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. It is widely viewed as a must-win because of its 19 electoral votes, which are more than other swing states and are tied for fifth-most in the country. Recent polling suggests Harris and Trump are virtually tied in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. is running for reelection against Republican challenger Dave McCormick. There are several local elections, and Onward State will have you covered with a full voting guide in the coming weeks.

Voting is a great way to have your voice heard and be involved in a fundamental piece of American democracy, so go out and vote!