College students voting in the 2008 presidential election may be overwhelmed with choices and logistics just as the fall semester hits full stride. This 2008 College Student Voting Guide aims to make the entire process much less complicated. You may live in one place and go to school in another. You have so much coursework and "life" stuff to do that you haven't been able to read a newspaper in months. You know the election is moving along, but aren't sure where to get the latest -- or how to catch up on everything that's happened. Where to start?
Voting Logistics
You should have the logistics of voting in college worked out well in advance of Election Day (Tuesday, November 4). Requesting an absentee ballot, knowing how to help your favorite candidate through volunteer efforts, being aware of how to be politically active and involved, and fully understanding why your vote as a college student really matters this election should all be taken care of before 11:59 p.m. on November 3.
- Why Your Vote Actually -- and Really -- Matters as a College Student in 2008
- How to Vote as a College Student
- How to Be Politically Active Before an Election (and Still Get Your Homework Done)
- New York University Brennan Center for Justice's Student Voting Rights site
The Candidates
As someone trying to further yourself through higher education, you really have no excuse for not educating yourself about the candidates. And you don't need to be a news junkie, either; a quick read-through of the candidates' websites can provide a lot more information than you might think.
- McCain-Palin Information for College Students
- Obama-Biden Information for College Students
- Ron Paul Information for College Students
Important Dates and Campaign Events
With so much going on, it's important to mark your calendar now for the key dates and events relating to the election. Knowing when the presidential and vice presidential debates are and when events near you are happening will help streamline your time and prevent having to spend time later "catching up" on all that you missed. And besides, who wants to be in class the day after a debate and not know what everyone is talking about?
