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Congress·In Committee·7 months ago

Congress Proposes Bill to Remove Residency and ID Barriers for Unhoused Voters

Also known as: Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

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.
Civil RightsHousing

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Aug 5, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Aug 5, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

2 articles
The Hill·6 months ago

Nikema Williams introduces comprehensive voting rights package to address voter suppression

Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) introduced a sweeping legislative package aimed at expanding ballot access. The package includes the Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act, which seeks to remove residency-based barriers for voters living in shelters or on the street.

C=
WNYC Studios·over 3 years ago

What Do Young Voters Want In 2022?

This segment discusses the 'Youth Voting Rights Act' introduced by Rep. Nikema Williams and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. It frames the bill as part of a broader package, including the Unhoused VOTE Act, designed to expand access for marginalized and transient populations.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act

Bill NumberHR 4914
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(49)
D: 49

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.