The Homeless Can Vote

There is a common misconception that the homeless are not legally allowed to vote. Just because a person experiences homelessness does not mean they are excluded from having a voice in the political process. In fact, people experiencing homelessness can register and vote in all 50 states.

It is recommended homeless registrants list a shelter address as their voting address where they could receive mail. Alternatively, homeless registrants may denote a street corner or a park as their residence, in lieu of a traditional home address. The federal voter registration form and many state forms provide a space for this purpose.

Most states have some durational residency requirements for voter registration, often having resided for 30 days or more before the Election Day in the state or county. Contact your local elections officials to find out what the rules are in your state.

The Help America Vote Act (HAVA - 2002) is a federal program that reformed aspects of the United States election system. The law was prompted by voting issues encountered in the contested Presidential election of 2000. HAVA has specific components, including:

Budgeting nearly three billion dollars to U.S. states to replace punch card voting systems.

Creating the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to assist in the administration of Federal elections.

Providing assistance with the administration of certain Federal election laws.

In Montana, anyone of legal age can vote, but they need to have a driver’s license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of a social security number must be provided to register. If an applicant has not been issued any of these numbers a photocopy of an ID (photo not necessary) is needed to register. An ID is required to vote. If one does not have an acceptable form of ID, they may vote by provisional ballot and show an ID by 5pm the next day, or they may fill out a “Polling Place Elector ID” form.

Acceptable forms of ID in Montana can be:
Driver’s license
School district or post-secondary institution photo ID
Tribal photo ID
Current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, voter registration confirmation, or another government document with the voter’s name and address on it.

-Information provided by nationalhomelessness.org