The impact of out-of-state college students on New Hampshire elections is hard to determine. But it’s likely greater than in other states, because out-of-staters make up a larger share of student enrollment.
Student voting has become an issue with the passage of a new state law that would essentially prohibit students from outside New Hampshire from voting unless they become legal residents.
A judge has blocked the law’s implementation, but the state is appealing the ruling. That leaves the matter unsettled ahead of the November 6th election.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 47% of the first-time college freshmen in New Hampshire were from other states in 2010.
Only three states had higher percentages, but unlike New Hampshire, none of them are considered swing states in November.