The cornerstone of our democracy in the United States of America is the right of citizens to make their wishes known through the election process, yet low income voters, and particularly persons experiencing homelessness, are consistently one of the most poorly represented blocks when it comes to voter turnout, historically having faced numerous barriers across the country which have limited their participation in the election process.
The You Don’t Need a Home to Vote campaign seeks to promote voting access for low income and homeless persons to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged maintain a voice in shaping their future. This toolkit provides ideas for individuals and organizations interested in helping people experiencing homelessness to overcome the obstacles that have traditionally prevented them from becoming registered, active voters.
Full You Don’t Need a Home to Vote (YDNHV) Campaign Toolkit
One-page Overview of YDNHV Campaign
Registration FAQ’s for Organizations
4 Steps to a Successful Voter Registration Drive
Registration FAQ’s for Voters
4 Steps to Encouraging a Reluctant Voter
Sample Voter Registration Outreach Script
Registering Voters Through Intake
Getting Out the Vote
National and State Resources
Voter Registration Policies by State
Voter Know-Your-Rights Cards:
AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | DC | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY
Many potential homeless and low income voters may not have the appropriate identification documents required by some states to register or to vote. Furthermore, individuals who are experiencing homelessness may lack the resources to educate themselves about candidates or may not be able to get to the polls on Election Day. Many individuals, homeless or otherwise, aren’t even aware that no state requires residents to have a traditional residence in order to vote in elections.
Voting
Voting Rights Information Primer
2024 Voting Rights Manual
Know Your Voting Rights Guide
2022 Voting Rights Manual
Voting in the news
Today kicks off the annual week of registration events specifically aimed at registering voters who are unstably housed. See the You Don’t Need a Home to Vote Voting Rights Manual
Thank you to all people who have experienced homelessness who took the time to make their vote count in the 2020 elections! Thank you also to the advocates who worked
We are now only a matter of days away from the November 3rd general election. While registration deadlines have passed in many states, there are still places where you can
Originally published Sept. 27, 2017This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Coalition for the Homeless’ “You Don’t Need a Home to Vote” campaign. What was a problem in
by Jin Zhao Originally Printed in AlterNet Thursday, August 9, 2012 Only 10% of homeless Americans vote each year, but they can still make a difference in elections. Having a
“If you have to show a picture ID to buy Sudafed, if you have to show a picture ID to get on an airplane, you should show a picture ID
