Everyone who lives in Montgomery County knows that our population swells dramatically each August as students return. Most are heading to Virginia Tech, others are attending nearby Radford University or the community college. And the additional peeps and traffic are noticeable throughout both towns and the county.
But what are the student's voting rights? Local, absentee or nada? This is of particular concern every four years when we have the national elections, and can also influence local outcomes (if the students are paying attention). Can they register to vote here while they are attending school, and if so, how? Are there other considerations? Oh, it can be very confusing -- or discouraging, especially when information is inconsistent.
An August 25th press release from Montgomery County entitled COLLEGE STUDENTS MUST DECLARE PROPER LEGAL RESIDENCE WHEN REGISTERING TO VOTE went on to state "By making Montgomery County your permanent residence, you have declared your independence from your parents and can no longer be claimed as a dependent on their income tax filings – check with your tax professional."
Yowzaa! Tax implications! For your parents! For you, partying student. This probably means FAFSA (federal student aid programs) impacts, too! Holy smokes, kiddies, let's just forget about voting -- it's all just too confusing (and you have classes to study for anyway)!!
But wait! A REVISION OF AUGUST 25, 2008, PRONOUNCEMENT AND GUIDANCE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS REGISTERING TO VOTE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY was sent out today, declaring "The Montgomery County Registrar’s office does not have a position on whether registering to vote in Montgomery County will have an effect on students’ benefits, such as health insurance, financial aid, scholarships, or taxes. Indeed, the Registrar’s Office is prohibited from offering any advice on these issues." Duh.
The pronouncement went on to explain that if students consider themselves to be residents of Montgomery County, then they can obtain a voter registration application from that office, the Department of Motor Vehicles or online at www.sbe.virginia.gov.
Our suggestion is students use the state web link, to ensure accurate information is clearly provided. Including getting the deadline for registering out there so students are eligible to vote for the next President of the USA and Virginia Senator (whether at a local polling place or via absentee ballot).
Voter rights are too important to allow mistakes or misinformation. Right, Chad?
August 30 Post Script Article