Homelessness: The Invisible Barrier to Voting

We often discuss and highlight obstacles to casting a ballot at Vote of the Vote, highlighting laws that are in place to restrict voters' rights. However, voting restrictions do not only have to be legal. We see this phenomenon starkly with the unhoused. A 2020 study found that only 1 in 10 unhoused voted in the 2020 election. In the 2012 election, only 10% of the homeless population cast a ballot.

These numbers are jarring when we consider the number of homeless people in the United States. Between 2023 and 2024 homelessness increased by 18%, with a record-high almost 800,000 people unhoused. In high homeless populations concentrated in swing states with close margins like Florida, Texas, and Arizona, even partial participation could effect elections.

There are several barriers to voting while experiencing homelessness. The first is perhaps the most obvious; a lack of a permanent address. States require that you have an address in the voting precinct where you go to cast a ballot. Not only is the basic understanding of homelessness that the person does not have a permanent address, but additionally states often bus the unhoused to different cities or towns far from where they would normally vote.

These busing operations often highlight another barrier; transportation. Those experiencing homelessness are reliant on public transportation; when they are moved around they often lose access to that transportation. Many cannot vote because they do not have accessible polling stations due to this lack of transport.

When an unhoused person is able to make it to a polling station, they will encounter a third impediment: the need for a physical identification. Currently, 35 states require some form of identification to be presented on voting day. First-time voters, regardless of age, must present a driver's license or Social Security number. In states that require a photo ID, those experiencing homelessness might opt out of the fees associated with getting a new identification card. Additionally, obtaining an ID requires people to have proof of at least 30 days at a residence.

Finally, many unhoused potential voters are barred from voting due to felonies, which in turn disproportionately effects minorities. This is one reason establishing voting rights for felons is vital to upholding our democracy and can act as a first step for establishing homeless voting populations.

With all that faces those experiencing homelessness, voting can seem like a low priority. However participating in civic duties is a way to integrate those on the margins of society back into the fold. It is also a way to fight the racial injustice when it comes to voter rights. Everyone deserves their right to have a say in our democracy, no matter our housing.

Luckily, there are resources in place to help mitigate some of the the barriers the unhoused face to vote. Nearby religious centers and shelters can be put down as addresses when registering. There are organizations that provide funding for ID cards and transportation.

Resources:

• National Colation for the Homeless

• United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

• National Alliance to End Homelessness