Any Duke student who is a U.S. citizen, not a felon, and who is living on or near campus is eligible to vote in North Carolina! (This is true even if you are not a native North Carolinian).
You must be at least 18 years of age as of November 6th, 2012
What if I’m worried about losing my residency in another state (e.g. for graduate school)?
In 49 of 50 states (every state except for Rhode Island), registering to vote in a different state will not impact your residency for academic purposes unless you are emancipated from your parents for FAFSA. The Brennan Center has a helpful guide explaining the laws surrounding residency from the perspective of a student for all 50 states.
Where should I register to vote, in North Carolina or in the state where my parents live?
This is a difficult question that students should decide for themselves. Some things to consider:
- If you stay registered in your parents state, will you actually remember to request an absentee ballot?
- Which elections do you feel like impact you more? Duke students pay Durham and North Carolina taxes (sales taxes, property taxes for off-campus residents, and state income taxes for employed students), drink Durham water, drive on Durham roads and are under the jurisdiction of Durham and North Carolina courts, tutor in Durham schools. Nevertheless, you may feel more invested in the state and local politics of the state in which your parents reside
- Are you more knowledgeable about local and state politics in North Carolina or in some other state?
- Some students prefer to register to vote in North Carolina because it is a swing state; in 2008, the presidential election in North Carolina was decided by fewer votes than there are Duke students