Homeless Does Not Mean Voteless!

Voting registration deadlines are coming up, and Covenant House is getting the word out that being homeless does not disqualify you from voting. While it does present a number of barriers to participation, homelessness does not stop young Americans from exercising their rights. Here's what you need to know.

@covenanthouse Homeless does not mean voteless! Covenant House is committed to helping youth in our shelters and programs understand they have a stake and a voice in government. #election #vote #EndYouthHomelessness #greenscreen ♬ original sound - Covenant House

How to Register to Vote Without a Permanent Address

Many of the easiest ways to register to vote involve listing an address. However, the National Voter Registration Mail Application allows voters to register a shelter, park, or street corner as their place of residence. This option offers those without a permanent address a valid way to register to vote.

The US Interagency Council on Homelessness also provides a step-by-step guide on voting for people experiencing homelessness, complete with links to county-by-county information on deadlines and requirements, resources to help get to the polls, and connections to local homelessness services organizations that can help you through the process.

Barriers to Voting While Homeless

Current research shows that only about 1 in 10 people without a home vote in a typical election year. Lack of information about how to vote while homeless is one of the many compounding barriers keeping that number low.

Covenant House Civics Workshops: Empowering Homeless Youth

To help our youth understand their rights and how to use their voice in government, Covenant House has been holding nonpartisan civics workshops at sites across our federation. These workshops are helping to bring youth into the election process, covering topics like: