This bill makes it easier for people experiencing homelessness to register to vote and cast ballots in federal elections. Right now, many homeless individuals face barriers because voting registration typically requires a permanent address, and they may not have one. This bill removes those barriers by saying states cannot deny someone the right to vote just because they live in a shelter, on the street, or in another non-traditional living situation.

The bill creates several practical changes. States must accept a homeless shelter as a valid address for voting purposes, and they have to accept a signed statement under oath about where someone lives instead of requiring official documents. If a state requires ID, they can accept documents from the criminal justice system like court papers or parole officer letters. Election officials also have to place ballot drop boxes in locations accessible to homeless people and keep them available during times that work for them. States must send voter registration reminders to homeless shelters and social service agencies before elections.

To help make this work, the bill requires election officials to post clear information on their websites about how homeless people can register and vote, and this information must be in multiple languages where required. The government will provide grants to states and cities to run programs like mobile voting centers and outreach efforts specifically targeting homeless individuals. Election officials will also receive training on how to help people experiencing homelessness navigate the voting process. The bill essentially says that being homeless should not prevent someone from exercising their right to vote in federal elections.

Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act

Williams, Nikema

Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act or the Unhoused VOTE ActThis bill expands voter registration and voting access&nbsp;for unhoused individuals.&nbsp;The bill specifies that no state or political subdivision may deny or abridge the right of any U.S. citizen to vote because the citizen resides at or in a nontraditional abode.&nbsp;Additionally, the bill requires jurisdictions that allow for ballot drop boxes to ensure that these drop boxes are available for in-person use and are accessible and clearly labeled.If a state requires individuals to show proof of residence in order to vote in a federal election, then the state must accept the individual’s written attestation of residence. A state may not prohibit an individual who is residing in a homeless shelter from using the shelter as the individual’s residence for purposes of voting in a federal election.The bill requires chief state election officials to conduct outreach to unhoused individuals.The bill directs the Election Assistance Commission to (1) develop best practices for election officials regarding voter registration and voting access for unhoused individuals, and (2) make grants to eligible states and local governments for programs and activities to support access to voting for unhoused individuals.&nbsp;The bill also revises the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, including by (1) treating emergency shelters as voter registration agencies, and (2) allowing an unhoused individual to use an unsheltered street location as the individual's place of residence for purposes of a voter registration application.