Young Voters Travel Far to Cast Ballots

Students are traveling hundreds of miles to participate in person during the midterm elections.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Live Poll

Would you travel long distances at your own expense to vote in person in an election?

College students across the United States are undertaking long journeys to cast their votes in person for the midterm elections. Many are choosing to travel to their home states to ensure their ballots are counted.

Why it matters

The effort underscores significant motivation among young voters to participate in the democratic process despite logistical hurdles. This trend highlights the importance voters place on casting their ballots personally rather than relying on mail-in options.

The Harvard Youth Poll found that 50% of young Democrats and 34% of young Republicans stated they would definitely vote. Additionally, youth voters identified their ballot as opposition to President Donald Trump at a rate of 63%.

The players

Addison Smith

Addison Smith is a student at Berklee College of Music who traveled to Houston to vote.

Ella Alvarez

Ella Alvarez is a student who traveled from Oklahoma to Abilene to cast her ballot.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is the current President of the United States who was cited as a primary motivation by 63% of young voters in the Harvard Youth Poll.

Pew Research Center

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that conducted the survey regarding voter motivation levels.

New Voters

New Voters is an organization that has conducted more than 1,300 voter registration drives in high schools.

The details

Berklee College of Music student Addison Smith flew 1,600 miles from Boston to Houston to vote due to concerns about receiving a mail-in ballot on time. Meanwhile, Ella Alvarez drove 4.5 hours from her campus in Oklahoma to Abilene, Texas, to vote in person.

2020: Two American University students drove 30 hours to Texas.
2024: University of Miami student flew to North Carolina to vote.
Last week: Ella Alvarez drove from Oklahoma to Texas.
Tuesday: Election day turnout results will be revealed.

Political Context

Opponents of such high-effort voting strategies argue that states should modernize their mail-in systems to ensure every voter can participate without incurring significant travel costs. Critics often note that while individual dedication is high, broader structural changes are needed to guarantee equitable access for all demographics.

For many voters, this election cycle may require additional planning to navigate polling location rules and potential travel requirements. Taxpayers and residents should check local deadlines to ensure their participation is accounted for in the final tallies.

The takeaway

Voters are increasingly willing to overcome significant physical and financial barriers to ensure their voices are heard in midterm elections. Careful planning regarding registration and polling locations remains the most effective way to guarantee your vote is counted.