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The COVE works with nonpartisan student groups to promote voter education, registration, and turnout. In terms of exercising your right to vote, you can chose to vote at your home address OR your campus address.  In either case, the COVE and our student leaders can assist you in learning about your options and successfully casting your vote.

Voting in New York State

To be eligible to register as a New York State voter, you must:

• be a United States citizen
• be 18 years of age by the date of the election in which you want to vote
• be a resident of NY State and the county, city, or village for at least 30 days before the election in which you wish to vote
• not be in prison for a felony conviction
• not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court
• not claim the right to vote elsewhere

To register in New York State, you must provide one of the following:

• last four digits of your social security number
• New York Driver's License number
• New York non-driver ID number

Voting In Madison County

If you are voting in Madison County, the closest polling site is at the Hamilton Public Library (13 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY 13346)

Madison County Board of Elections

If you are already registered to vote in Madison County, or would like to register to vote in Madison County, the Madison County Board of Elections has resources including voter registration forms and early voting information.

Election Day Transportation

On November 5, the Colgate Shuttle will have regular service from campus to the Village.  If you are voting in Madison County, your local polling place is the Hamilton Public Library.  Polls will be open from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.  The Village library is also less than one mile from upper campus, or about a 15 minute walk.

Election day transportation

Voting in Another State

Registering in Your Home State

For students who wish to register to vote in their home state, check out the .

As requirements vary, , but typically registration involves:

• some form of identification
• proof of residency
• a social security number

Absentee Ballots

To request your absentee ballot, check out Vote.org's and scroll down to find your specific state guidelines.

Other Helpful Links

• : your one stop shop for registering to vote, getting an absentee ballot, checking your voter status, finding your poling place, and receiving election reminders.
• : in 3-4 minutes you can create and email a personalized plan to vote 

Additional Resources

Check out additional resources focused on voting, news, and candidates as you gather the information you need to cast an informed vote.

Ways to Get Involved On Campus

The COVE advises two nonpartisan groups - Democracy Matters and the Colgate Vote Project.  

Democracy Matters

Democracy Matters is an organization whose mission is to mentor the next generation of leaders dedicated to strengthening democracy by training young people how to be effective grassroots organizers and advocates. They support public financing of election campaigns and voting reform to make the political process more democratic and representative.
 
Democracy Matters also organizes events and projects connecting pro-democracy reforms to issues of the environment, civil rights, education, health care, foreign policy, and more.

Colgate Vote Project

The Colgate Vote Project strives to create a population of engaged student voters at Colgate by streamlining the registration and voting process. Regardless of party affiliation, current political engagement, or voting eligibility, the project aims to support all students and create an on-campus environment that encourages political awareness and voter participation. As voting is a foundational element of democracy, they aim to encourage students to recognize the voice they have when casting their ballot, and to exercise their right to vote as citizens. The group is volunteer-based and hosts events such as voter registration drives and help sessions for those requesting absentee ballots.

Check out to learn more about additional politically themed organizations on campus!

COVE Civic Engagement Interns

The COVE has two interns who work to coordinate civic engagement efforts across campus and promote voter registration and turnout. Some ongoing or past projects they have been involved with include bringing a polling site to Colgate’s campus, they planned a visit from two former congressmen through the Congress to Campus program, among many other important projects. Learn more about our interns below!

Lily Spinner

Lily Spinner is a senior from North Carolina. She is a biology major and a psychology minor. Lily plans to attend law school after her graduation in the spring of 2025. On campus, she leads a COVE service group that focuses on mentoring third-grade girls, and she is also involved in a dance group on campus. 

Georgette Manos

Georgette Manos is a senior from Potomac, Maryland. She is a Political Science major and has double minors in History and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. After graduation, Georgette plans to pursue the field of law. On campus, Georgette is a co-captain of the Equestrian Team, Director of Philanthropy for her sorority, and an SAT tutor through the COVE’s SAT Prep program.

Jaden Coley

Jaden Coley is a sophomore from Brooklyn, New York. He plans on double majoring in economics and political science on the pre-law track. After graduating in the spring of 2027, Jaden plans to attend law school. On campus, Jaden is a part of the Student Government Association, an outreach intern for Haven, and the social media coordinator for the Student Activities Association.