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Notaries and Witnesses
Anyone over the age of 18 (your roommate, friend, TA, etc) can serve as a witness. On the other hand, a notary is someone specifically legally authorized to serve as an impartial witness. Some states require a notarized signature to return your absentee ballot.
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Make sure to double check all requirements on your state's election website so that your vote counts! If you don't live in any of the states listed below, take note anyway. If you know someone from one of these states, volunteer to be one of their witnesses! It takes less than thirty seconds.
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For more details about signature requirements, refer to the 50 State Voter Guide or https://www.usvotefoundation.org/absentee-ballot-notary-witness-requirements.
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States which require a notary signature:
Minnesota*, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma
*Your Minnesota witness can only be a registered Minnesota voter;
otherwise, you must obtain a notary signature.
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If you need a notary on campus, the Bechtel International Center website features a list linked here: https://bechtel.stanford.edu/navigate-international-life/notaries-campus. Remember that most notaries serve as notaries in addition to their job--be patient and understanding.​
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