Battleground Analysis: Where Students Register Is as Important as If They Register
Battleground Analysis: Where Students Register Is as Important as If They Register
Our analysis of out-of-state student voter registration, conducted in partnership with Pantheon Analytics, underscores the importance of registering students with their campus address, providing campaigns with the data-driven strategies necessary to fully mobilize this critical electorate.
Our analysis of out-of-state student voter registration, conducted in partnership with Pantheon Analytics, underscores the importance of registering students with their campus address, providing campaigns with the data-driven strategies necessary to fully mobilize this critical electorate.
Background: Few Out-of-State Students Are Registered to Vote at Their Campus Address
Background: Few Out-of-State Students Are Registered to Vote at Their Campus Address
College voters have long driven the youth vote. Even though they are a minority of people aged 18-24, they're a majority of voters 18-24. However on-campus voter registrations declined sharply during the COVID pandemic and have yet to fully recover, carrying lasting implications for electoral participation. Most out-of-state students aren’t registered to vote where they go to school. Instead, many remain tied to their home states, decreasing turnout and limiting their impact on local and statewide elections.
College voters have long driven the youth vote. Even though they are a minority of people aged 18-24, they're a majority of voters 18-24. However on-campus voter registrations declined sharply during the COVID pandemic and have yet to fully recover, carrying lasting implications for electoral participation. Most out-of-state students aren’t registered to vote where they go to school. Instead, many remain tied to their home states, decreasing turnout and limiting their impact on local and statewide elections.
Only 8% of out-of-state students were registered in their campus state; the majority were registered in their home state or not registered at all.
Only 8% of out-of-state students were registered in their campus state; the majority were registered in their home state or not registered at all.
Methodology: Matching Student Lists to Voter Files
Methodology: Matching Student Lists to Voter Files
Our analysis used undergraduate records from nine universities selected for their large student populations, high proportions of out-of-state students, and locations in battleground states. Records were matched against a post-Election Day 2022 snapshot of the national voter file. Matched records were analyzed for overall registration rates, registration location, partisanship, and turnout rates.
Our analysis used undergraduate records from nine universities selected for their large student populations, high proportions of out-of-state students, and locations in battleground states. Records were matched against a post-Election Day 2022 snapshot of the national voter file. Matched records were analyzed for overall registration rates, registration location, partisanship, and turnout rates.
INSIGHT: Out-of-State Students Are Significantly More Likely To Vote If They Are Registered On Campus
INSIGHT: Out-of-State Students Are Significantly More Likely To Vote If They Are Registered On Campus
Our analysis found that the vast majority of the out-of-state students in our sample came from non-battleground states. Yet, only 8 percent of students chose to register in their campus’s state in 2022, while 42 percent registered in their home state and 50 percent did not register anywhere.
Our analysis found that the vast majority of the out-of-state students in our sample came from non-battleground states. Yet, only 8 percent of students chose to register in their campus’s state in 2022, while 42 percent registered in their home state and 50 percent did not register anywhere.
Voter Registration Rates, In-State vs. Out-of-State
Voter Registration Rates, In-State vs. Out-of-State
Registered In-State
Registered In-State
Not Registered
Not Registered
Registered Out-of-State
Registered Out-of-State
The potential electoral impact of these students has the ability to decide elections. For example, a deep dive at Arizona State University found over 32,000 undergraduates — both in-state and out-of-state — were either unregistered or registered out of state. This population of potential voters was more than four times the margin of victory in Arizona's 2020 presidential election, highlighting the scale and strategic significance of student voter engagement.
Additionally, when out-of-state students do register at their campus address, their impact grows. They are far more likely to show up at the polls compared to those trying to vote absentee back home. On-campus registration removes barriers, making it easier and more convenient for students to participate—and the result is a surge in voter turnout exactly where it has the most impact.
The potential electoral impact of these students has the ability to decide elections. For example, a deep dive at Arizona State University found over 32,000 undergraduates — both in-state and out-of-state — were either unregistered or registered out of state. This population of potential voters was more than four times the margin of victory in Arizona's 2020 presidential election, highlighting the scale and strategic significance of student voter engagement.
Additionally, when out-of-state students do register at their campus address, their impact grows. They are far more likely to show up at the polls compared to those trying to vote absentee back home. On-campus registration removes barriers, making it easier and more convenient for students to participate—and the result is a surge in voter turnout exactly where it has the most impact.
Voter Turnout Rates (Out-of-State Students Only)
Voter Turnout Rates (Out-of-State Students Only)
Voted in 2022
Voted in 2022
Did not vote in 2022
Did not vote in 2022
Students who registered in-state were more likely to vote: 66% vs. 29% registered in other states.
Students who registered in-state were more likely to vote: 66% vs. 29% registered in other states.
College Inc. — Your Partner in Winning Gen Z
College Inc. — Your Partner in Winning Gen Z
Our research and insights tools help brands decode the rapidly changing college audience and make data-informed decisions about their brand. As the first (and only) omnichannel college marketing platform for reaching students at scale, we pair deep behavioral insights with smart ad delivery to make sure your message doesn’t just show up—it sticks. Learn more about our insights into the college audience.
Our research and insights tools help brands decode the rapidly changing college audience and make data-informed decisions about their brand. As the first (and only) omnichannel college marketing platform for reaching students at scale, we pair deep behavioral insights with smart ad delivery to make sure your message doesn’t just show up—it sticks. Learn more about our insights into the college audience.
Ready to see what our research can uncover for your brand?
Book a call with a College Inc. strategist today or learn more about our insights into the college audience.
Ready to move beyond assumptions and start speaking the college audience’s language?
Book a call with a College Inc. strategist today and start shaping campaigns that connect.