How to Vote as a Foreign College Student in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – More than 40 million members of Generation Z will be eligible to vote in this year’s election cycle – many of them students.

But if they’re studying outside their home state, that could make the voting process a little more complicated.

“There are a lot of young people who may feel disenfranchised by the government and some of our systems. Therefore, the only way to bring their values ​​into the process is through voting,” says Toni Monette, associate director of the Office of Engagement at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Ten to 15% of students at the University of Nebraska Omaha come from abroad.

The Office of Engagement says it is often asked how to navigate registering and voting.

“Where do you think your voice will have the greatest impact? Which community do you feel most connected to? And from there, you can navigate the complicated election process in all 50 states because the election rules and voting laws are all different,” Monette says.

UN senior Git Gatluak recognizes some of the challenges for his colleagues.

“If you live out of state, you have to jump through a lot of different hurdles to vote,” Gatluak said.

For international students who want to vote in their home state, the Office of Engagement recommends students use websites like Turbovote.

“So you can get the information you need to register or even vote by mail if you’re not at home, that’s a consideration,” Monette said.

It’s also important to know *how* students can vote at home, as some states do not allow absentee voting without a verified excuse.

Out-of-state students who wish to vote in Nebraska are encouraged to complete a voter registration form with the Douglas County Election Commission.

Only a Nebraska driver’s license or state ID card is valid for registration – no other states. If students do not have a Nebraska ID, the last 4 digits of a Social Security number will also work. Once registered, out-of-state students can vote with their college ID.

Monette explains that it is also not necessary to “opt out” to vote in a previous state. Once a person is registered to vote in Nebraska, they will no longer be listed on any other state’s voter rolls.

“I can assure you, after watching the Electoral Commission go through this election process, they are conducting numerous checks in different ways and on multiple systems for your social security, your government ID, etc. to ensure where you are officially registered so that you can do this.” “Don’t vote in multiple places,” says Monette.

For busy college students, the newly added steps to get out and vote can be cumbersome — something that could turn off potential voters.

“Visitating a website and searching for voting information has an opportunity cost that can take a lot of time, and if you have other priorities, that can be a barrier,” Monette says.

Although the presidential race takes center stage, Monette reminds that student voting is also local.

“In the past, not everyone could vote, and I believe that now that everyone has the right to vote, it is important to ensure that their voice is heard,” says Gatluak.

If you are a UNO student and are registered to vote using your South Campus address, there is a polling place in Mammel Hall. Students on the north side of campus who use the Dodge campus address can vote in person at Lifegate Midtown Church.

Below is a list of key deadlines for this year’s election cycle in Douglas County:

Registration deadlines:

• In person at the local election office : October 25 at 6:00 p.m. (CDT).
• On-line : October 18 at 11:59 p.m. (CDT).
• By post (the postmark applies) : Oct 18

Deadlines for postal voting:

• Request a ballot (received at) : October 25 at 6:00 p.m. (CDT).
• Return ballot by mail (received at) : November 5th, end of elections
• Return the ballot in person : November 5th, end of elections

Voting Deadlines

• Early voting : Oct 7th – Nov 4th
• In person: November 5th

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