Encouraging Student Participation in Elections
It’s election season! On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, many important national, state, and local elections will be held. Every U.S. citizen who is 18 or older is eligible to vote.
Before adult citizens can vote, they must register to vote. During an election year, like this one, the deadline to register to vote can be up to a month before the election. In Indiana, you must register to vote at least 29 days (about 4 weeks) before election day, by October 5, 2026. Teens in Indiana who will turn 18 before November 3, 2024, can pre-register to vote.
There are a few states that do allow adults to register on election day. Use the Rock the Vote website to find your state's requirements.
Voting locations and available voting options must be legally accessible to individuals with various disabilities. This includes the building, voting booths, machines, and access to voting options for those with vision, mobility, and reading disabilities. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission provides information about accessible voting. Review their information and resources on voter accessibility.
Once registered, voters are assigned to cast their vote at a specific precinct, or polling place. Students should create a voting plan and research candidates and current affairs. The internet and social media can be helpful to make informed decisions when voting, but there is also a lot of misinformation that students need to navigate.
Use the resources below to guide students toward reliable information. Some are links to social media, which can be a useful way to learn about voting. Please note that some TikTok videos do not provide closed captioning.
