Groups Around the Country Promote Homeless Persons' Voting Rights

September 21-27, 2008

Press Type: Press Release   Associated Program: Civil Rights

Released: 09/2008

Dozens of service providers and advocates around the country will be holding voter registration events to help ensure homeless persons' voices are heard this election year.  Over 50 groups in almost 20 states will be hosting voter education and registration events during National Homeless & Low Income Voter Registration Week from September 21 through September 27.

"We are thrilled to see so many groups from across the country participating in the Voter Registration Week.  Too often, homeless people are shut out of the political process - simply because they have no home. Our goal is to include homeless persons in the political process and ensure their concerns are addressed by our government officials," said Tulin Ozdeger, Civil Rights Director at NLCHP.

NLCHP released a report in July of this year documenting the problems that homeless persons face when registering and voting.  Homeless persons face barriers with identification, mailing address, and durational residency requirements when attempting to register or vote, according to an NLCHP survey highlighted in the report.  Homeless persons often find it challenging to get themselves to the polls in order to participate.

While homeless persons face some challenges in voting, the report provides recommendations on how to overcome those barriers, as well as suggested policy changes that could help homeless persons have better access to voting.