Learn more about participating in the runoff elections in Georgia and review related news here.
If at any point in this process you encounter barriers or aren't sure how to proceed, don't hesitate to reach out to reference@law.howard.edu and we will connect you with information, paper, stamps -- whatever you might need to participate in the election.
We're here for you!
The 2020 General Election on November 3 is critically important and is in the midst of a pandemic.
Students living outside of their county are typically eligible for Absentee Ballots, while many states have expanded Vote by Mail in light of our public health crisis. We are dedicated to helping our students who are eligible to vote be empowered to exercise their franchise.
Please note! There are concerns about post office delays. If you are going to vote absentee, request and return your ballot as early as possible. Also, you might consider dropping your ballot off by hand if you are voting from your permanent address. Relevant information is included in this guide to help you navigate the voting process.
On this site, you will find the information you need arranged by region, with an alphabetical list of states under each region. Please note that states are changing their processes to address the pandemic. Refer back to this guide for updates.
Many states require printed forms. If you do not have a printer, Vote.org will print your absentee ballot application and mail it to you with a pre-paid envelope. On this site, you can verify your registration, register, and request a Mail-in Ballot.
Some states require copies of your IDs. If you are in one of these states and don''t have a printer, the organization Voteriders.org will print copies, print your forms, and send everything to you with a pre-address and paid envelope. Also, if you do not have an acceptable ID, Voteriders will help you get one.
Over the summer of 2020, Kristina Alayan, HUSL Library Director, partnered with local organizations, academic library directors, and HUSL students to spread the word on ballot initiatives. During these collaborations Prof. Alayan obtained permission from American University to copy their Request a Ballot guide over to HUSL Library for independent development. HUSL Library's edition of the guide is accessible through our website, where you’re currently viewing it.
The following librarian at American University Library created the original guide that was the basis for HUSL Library’s version:
Gwendolyn Reece, PhD, Associate University Librarian and Director of Research, Teaching and Learning
American University's original Request a Ballot Guide is available here, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Contact Gwendolyn Reece for permission to reuse American University's guide.
Victoria Capatosto oversaw the development of HUSL Library's edition of this guide while working at HUSL between May 2016 through January 2022, with assistance from Research Fellows, Research Assistants, and LIS graduate student interns working at HUSL Library.
Interested in learning more about the fight for civil rights and voting issues in the United States? Visit our website "A Brief History of Civil Rights in the United States" for an overview and stay current here.
© Howard University School of Law Library. Questions about this guide should be directed to reference@law.howard.edu.