How to Help Homeless People Vote
Organize a Voter Registration Drive for Homeless Americans
Nov 15, 2008
The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP) states that homelessness annually affects nearly three million Americans, a third of whom are families with children. According NLCHP, half of these homeless people work but cannot find affordable housing.
Tips for Organizing a Voter Registration Drive Among Homeless People
NLCHP and NCH (National Coalition for the Homeless) list the requirements for voting in a co-sponsored 2006 Voter Rights/Registration Packet.
To register, a prospective voter must be:
- A citizen of the United States
- A legal resident of your state
- At least 18 years old on Election Day
- Not in prison, on probation, or on parole or convicted of a felony (varies by State)
- Not declared mentally incompetent by a court (varies by State)
While homeless people can vote in all fifty states, there are many hurdles to participation in the electoral process. Overcoming misconceptions about their right to vote, gaining access to the voter registration process, providing required identification, supplying proof of residence, and providing mailing addresses are all major obstacles for homeless voters.
Incorporate Voter Registration into Intake Paperwork at Shelters and Social Service Agencies
The most effective way to overcome access issues and misconceptions about eligibility is through integration of voter registration in the in-take process at homeless shelters, food banks, and other non-profit social service agencies. As long as the workers remain non-partisan, 501(c) 3 non-profits can organize voter registration drives. Agencies should appoint a Voter Registration Coordinator and follow the detailed guidelines available through NCH and NLCHP.
Educate Homeless People About Their Voting Rights
Many homeless people are unaware of their right to vote. They may believe that because they do not have a permanent home they cannot register. Others with a prior criminal background may think they are ineligible. In many cases, this is not true; states often reinstate voter rights automatically upon release from incarceration or only require a bit of paperwork. Others think they are registered but do not realize they have been purged from voter registration rolls. Trained volunteers can guide them through the registration process.
Case Law Protecting Homeless Americans’ Right to Vote
Historically, some state laws limited the rights of homeless voters by including requirements for residency in a “traditional dwelling.” Recent case precedent upholds a wide-ranging definition of residency including shelters, street corners, and parks. Other judicial opinions protect the right of voters with housing insecurity and transient residency to retain registration in the jurisdiction of their last permanent residence.
Help Homeless Americans Vote- Organize a Voter Registration Drive
The NLCHP and NCH provide a detailed reference guide for non-profit agencies wishing to hold a homeless voter registration drive or incorporate registration into social service intake processes. NCH reminds Americans, “Equal access to the right to vote is a crucial part of maintaining a true democracy.”
Homeless Americans can and should vote; with help they do vote. NLCHP and NCH figures show that 70% of voters registered at social service agencies go to the polls in a presidential election. Volunteer efforts make a tremendous difference in levels of voter participation among the homeless.
