If you’re an Alaska college student living away from home this fall, you might be wondering whether you can still vote in Alaska—and how to actually get your ballot.
If you’re an Alaska resident and intend to return to the state, you can maintain your Alaska voting residence while you’re away at college. And if you’re staying on campus or living in another state for school, you don’t necessarily have to make the long trip home to cast your ballot on Election Day, Nov. 3.
Here’s what Alaska college students should know before the 2026 general election.
Should I vote in Alaska or where I go to college?
If you’re an Alaska resident attending college somewhere else, you can remain registered to vote in Alaska if you are temporarily away and intend to return. Use your last Alaska residence address when registering, updating your information, or applying for an absentee ballot while outside the state.
On the other hand, if you’re attending college in Alaska but your permanent residence is in another state and you want to remain a resident of that state, contact your home state’s election officials about registering and voting absentee there.
Voting by absentee ballot
If you’re an Alaska voter attending college outside the state, an absentee ballot can be a convenient way to vote without traveling home.
For the 2026 general election, Alaska voters can apply for an absentee-by-mail ballot. The deadline for the Division of Elections to receive an absentee-by-mail application is Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Ballots are generally mailed to voters about 25 days before Election Day.
You can apply online if you have a valid Alaska driver’s license or state ID. You can also complete a paper application and submit it to the Division of Elections by mail, email, or fax.
When applying while you’re away at college, make sure your mailing information is where you can actually receive the ballot—whether that’s your dorm, apartment, or another address.
Once your ballot arrives
For a standard absentee-by-mail ballot, you’ll fill out your ballot, place it in the secrecy sleeve, and then put that sleeve into the return envelope. You’ll also need to sign the return envelope in front of a witness who is at least 18 years old. The witness must sign as well. Then return your ballot according to the instructions.
For the 2026 general election, Alaska says mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Because you’re a college student who may be mailing your ballot from outside Alaska, it’s a good idea to send it well before Election Day rather than relying on the deadline.
Key dates for Alaska college voters
Here are the dates to keep on your calendar for the 2026 general election:
Oct. 4: Deadline to register to vote or update your registration.
Oct. 24: Deadline for the Division of Elections to receive an absentee-by-mail application.
Nov. 2: Deadline for absentee ballots delivered electronically to be requested; applications must be received by 5 p.m. Alaska time.
Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Alaska time. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date.
