SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Homeless voters have more options than in previous years this upcoming presidential election after a 2023 bill opened the possibility of using addresses for parks and intersections on voter registration forms.
November 5 will mark the first presidential election since a bill was passed in Utah last year allowing for several voting provisions. One change makes it possible for people without permanent housing to use a shelter, resource center, medical clinic, or even a park as their registered address.
Helen Moser, the director of voter services for the League of Women Voters of Utah, explained that this bill gives people experiencing homelessness options so they can still cast their ballot regardless of their living situation.
“We see the unhoused as a very important constituent group, and these are folks whose lives are greatly impacted by the decisions that are made by our elected officials,” Moser said. “So their voice needs to be heard, not just in this election, but every election.”
How to register without a permanent address
Moser said people experiencing homelessness can either register ahead of time or vote at a poll, options that each come with conveniences and challenges for people without housing.
Option 1
Registering ahead of time is considered the best option, especially for someone who does not have access to government-issued identification, according to Moser. The challenge with this method is that early registration closes Friday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.
For those wanting to pursue this option, they must either use a government ID and register online or use their social security to register through a paper form. Moser said individuals can access the internet or collect a form at a public library. The registration form must be turned in to the county clerk by the deadline.
Option 2
The second option is voting at an early poll location or an election day poll. This is a convenient option for those who are not able to meet the early registration deadline. However, an ID will be required.
Moser said there is a variety of acceptable IDs including a driver’s license, passport, tribal card, concealed weapon permit, and military ID.
She recommends that individuals tell the poll worker they do not have housing as election workers have been trained to walk them through the process and make voting as accessible as possible.
“There is no stigma in being homeless, and the poll workers have been provided the addresses to all 18 shelters and resource centers in the Salt Lake County area,” she said. “They’ve received additional training to assist those that are unhoused.”
Important reminders
Moser said it’s crucial for homeless individuals to remember to check the mail routinely at the location they listed so they can pick up their registration card or ballot.
While a park or intersection can be used as an address, a shelter, resource center, or close family or friend’s house is ideal for mail purposes.
Moser added that if voters have any questions about the process, they should contact the county clerk’s office which is staffed and trained to address any voting-related questions. For Salt Lake County, that number is 385-468-7400.
“If they don’t register, and if they don’t turn out, they remain kind of a forgotten group. And so it’s important to let their voices be heard this election and every election,” Moser said.