There are many good reasons for registering and voting at either residence, but keep in mind, in most cases the final choice is really yours. Students live in their college towns anywhere from nine to twelve months of the year, for at least four years. This means that students are no more transient than the average American family, which typically moves once every four years. Moreover, the U.S. Census Bureau considers students to be residents of their college community. Federal funds are distributed to municipalities based on figures that include the student population.
Students contribute to the college community in many valuable ways.
They work as volunteers in a host of civic organizations, help to create jobs in the community, bolster the local economy, and pay sales and gasoline taxes. You do have a vested interest in the local issues of your college community. Issues such as off-campus housing and zoning restrictions, the environment, taxes, transportation and personal safety all affect your quality of life. Voting in your college community is more convenient and relieves you of the need to apply for and return an absentee ballot. Registering and voting at college can give you the opportunity to become involved with, and informed about, the local issues in your college town or city.