Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced by Ms. Williams of Georgia, prevents states from denying someone the right to vote just because they live in a shelter, on the street, or in other non-traditional housing. It ensures that not having a standard home address cannot be used as a reason to block a citizen from participating in federal elections.
• The policy makes it easier to register by allowing people to use a written statement to prove where they live. It also updates voter registration forms to include a space where people can draw a map of an intersection or landmark to show where they stay if they do not have a street address.
• States would be required to accept identification issued by the criminal justice system, such as prison IDs or parole documents, for voting purposes. Additionally, election officials must ensure that ballot drop boxes are placed in locations that are easy for unhoused people to reach.
• Government agencies would be required to send election deadlines and information directly to homeless shelters and social service providers. It also creates a grant program to fund mobile voting centers and outreach efforts to help unhoused individuals navigate the registration process.
• To ensure information lasts, any documents or guides created with federal grant money for unhoused voters must be made of durable materials that can withstand being outdoors or exposed to the weather.