Two students from Tougaloo College walked into the campus voting precinct on November 5, only to be told that they couldn’t vote because their registration was not at the college address. Jamira Scott and Kailyn Wilson were disappointed after being informed that they had to cast their ballots in Hollandale, Mississippi.
Under Mississippi law, residents must be registered to vote at their permanent residence or campus dormitory/apartment, depending on whether it’s a parent’s home or a university setting. However, college students often find themselves in this situation, and many are unaware of the process.
Scott, a sophomore, had recently registered to vote during her senior year at Hollandale Simmons High School, but was not informed about changing her registration to the college address. This lack of information left her feeling uninformed.
Despite being encouraged by their campus leaders, who spoke about the importance of voting and civic engagement, Scott and Wilson were unable to cast their ballots. The lack of voter education and awareness among students is a pressing issue, with many feeling that mandatory student meetings on the subject could increase participation.
The experience highlighted the challenges faced by college students when it comes to exercising their right to vote. As Jaiden Joseph, president of the Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Society, noted, “Voting is not just a right, but a duty to honor our past and shape our future.”
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/she-was-ready-to-vote-for-the-first-time-confusion-over-mississippis-residency-requirements-for-college-students-stopped-her