Trump Wins Pennsylvania Primary, but Remains Haunted by Haley: Election Updates

There are numerous voters like Mr. Dupree throughout Georgia and the nation, individuals experiencing homelessness who are able to participate in elections with proper identification. They receive election-related mail at shelters, relatives’ addresses, temporary locations, or P.O. boxes, with the majority opting to vote in person.

A single provision in a new election bill in Georgia could pose challenges for some of the state’s homeless population. The bill, approved by both chambers of the State Legislature and awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s approval, mandates that all election-related mail for those “homeless and without a permanent address” be sent to the county registrar office.

The full ramifications of this change remain uncertain. According to the bill, homeless voters would need to visit the county registrar’s office to ensure their registration is current, receive information about changes in polling locations, or request and obtain an absentee ballot. Voters with a permanent residence would typically receive such information at their homes.

Should there be no alterations or additional documentation needed for their registration, homeless individuals could still vote in person. It is unclear if these changes apply to individuals in domestic abuse shelters or other temporary housing situations.

For many homeless voters, an extra trip to a government office can present a significant burden, say voting rights groups and homeless advocates. This requirement could result in unnecessary long travel times, adding strain to an already marginalized population, and causing confusion for individuals with limited access to news and information and a low propensity to vote.

“I believe it would create significant challenges for many in the homeless population, due to transportation issues and the location of these facilities,” commented Donald H. Whitehead Jr., the executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. “Many shelters are situated in rural areas with limited transportation, so if someone had to go to a specific location, it would be quite problematic.”

State Senator Max Burns, the Republican sponsor of the bill, did not respond to requests for comment. Garrison Douglas, a spokesperson for Governor Kemp, stated that the office was reviewing the legislation.

The exact number of homeless individuals who typically vote in Georgia is difficult to ascertain. One estimate by Fair Fight, the voting rights organization founded by Stacey Abrams, indicates that about 7,500 people registered to vote using a homeless shelter address in the state’s five largest counties. Of these, more than 1,500 participated in recent elections, the group reported.

The 2020 presidential election in Georgia was decided by fewer than 12,000 votes.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that there were 582,500 people experiencing homelessness in 2022. A 2012 study by the National Coalition for the Homeless found that roughly 10 percent of registered voters who are homeless cast a ballot in that election. In comparison, 71 percent of adults over 65 voted in the 2012 election, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Apart from the homelessness provision, the new legislation primarily focuses on election administration. It mandates new voting technology and simplifies the process for a voter to challenge another voter’s eligibility. Activists have criticized the bill as unnecessary and rooted in debunked theories about Democrats engaging in widespread voter fraud.

“It’s part of a longstanding tradition in Georgia: obstructing the vote by any means necessary to retain power,” remarked Dr. Carol Anderson, a board member of Fair Fight Action.

Raphael Holloway, the chief executive at Gateway Center, emphasized that the organization promotes civic engagement as part of its case management and care, “whether that’s through volunteerism, and or through civic engagement through becoming a registered voter.” He mentioned that the shelter had approximately 500 registered voters at its address.

William Dupree, a 70-year-old Army veteran, is among those registered voters. He became homeless in August after being priced out of his previous apartment along with his wife and grandchildren. While at Gateway Center, Mr. Dupree has actively engaged, participating in a virtual town hall hosted by his congresswoman from the shelter.

He expressed concerns that the new bill could hinder his civic participation.

“It would, it would,” he stated. “Because they try to change everything, like every election, there’s a rule change. And the bigger the election, the more impact of a lot of the changes.”