The 2016 presidential election is turning out to be one of the most significant (and divisive) elections in decades, particularly for low-income voters, with access to health care, the minimum wage and the next Supreme Court justice on the line. Control of the U.S. Senate may also be up for grabs. Here in the District, six of 13 city councilpersons are up for reelection during a year that is seeing some of the most impactful actions in a long time by the city around the issue of homelessness.
Unfortunately only one out of every 10 men and women experiencing homelessness actually makes it into the voting booth. While court cases over the past 30 years have continually affirmed that unhoused Americans have every right to exercise their vote, significant barriers still exist in many parts of the country.
Nine states have enacted strict photo identification requirements for voters, meaning that a person must present valid, government-issued, photo ID in order to cast their ballot, and nearly as many have passed non-strict photo ID requirements. People experiencing homelessness are among the least likely to possess such identification. Even obtaining the documentation necessary to apply for it can be a serious challenge, both financially and bureaucratically.
Homeless Voter Registration Acts, based on model legislation drafted by the National Coalition for the Homeless, have passed in several states across the country, which, among other provisions, ease registration requirements for prospective voters. However, in most of the country the process of registering to vote remains much more difficult for people experiencing homelessness than other groups.
Logistical concerns also make it more difficult for low-income and homeless voters. The tightening of polling hours and early voting dates in some states has made it increasingly difficult for those who cannot afford to take time off of work to vote. Just getting to polling places can also be a significant barrier for those who cannot afford private or public transportation.
There are a number of ways that you can help to boost turnout. Contact your local service providers and churches to see which ones provide assistance in obtaining legal documents, and connect your homeless neighbors to those services. Start your own voter registration drive using materials available on our website’s “You Don’t Need a Home to Vote” campaign page. When voting starts, coordinate with shelters and other providers to help transport registered voters to their polling locations. Together we can make sure that everyone who wants to vote in 2016 has the opportunity to do so.
