The Daily Delegate

Voting is a right that every American should be able to have, but for the unhoused, it’s often not that simple. Many don’t have access to basic information about how to vote, where to register, or who the candidates are. Most homeless people aren’t even aware that they are allowed to vote. Our bill aims to change that by requiring homeless shelters to provide voting resources and education about local and federal elections .

For people struggling to pay for food and other necessities, finding reliable election information is an extra burden, and most have other things to worry about. Most don’t have the internet, or don’t know where to look for details on candidates and what they stand for. Shelters are a crucial resource for the unhoused, and our bill would require them to distribute brochures and offer information about their voting rights and procedures. All unhoused American citizens can vote, but many do not know they have that right. This bill would help over 100,000 homeless individuals have a say in their lives. 

Trained speakers would visit shelters to provide in-person guidance. They would explain the voting process, and why voting is so important as an American citizen.The discussions would be unbiased, and vital to increase the voter turnout of the unhoused. The speakers would help ensure that homeless individuals feel confident and empowered when voting.