In Philadelphia, local organizations help voters with housing insecurity
As many Philadelphians debate who to vote for in the May 16 primary election, one group must navigate how they’ll even be able to cast their ballot: those struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness. The specific requirements for voter eligibility as well as being able to get to the correct polling location are among the barriers for those without permanent housing. However, various resources and organizations are offering help throughout the process.
A significant issue that housing insecure voters face is that a permanent address is required for voter registration. The City of Philadelphia has considered the issue and offered that mailing addresses, as opposed to residential addresses, can be used for registration.
“Those who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness can register to [vote] where they get their mail. There are shelters and churches around the city which provide the ability to get mail and therefore register to vote” said Deputy Commissioner Nick Custodio, who works in the Office of Commissioner Lisa Deeley.
One such provider is Broad Street Ministry, a regional social services organization practicing radical hospitality to help those experiencing poverty. Chief Program Officer Geremi James highlighted specific challenges that those experiencing housing insecurity face with voting access, including “access to education around what information and who is on the ballots, access to proper identification if they are voting in a new district for the first time, and transportation resources to polling places.”
Broad Street Ministry allows guests to register to vote using their address and have staff available to guide them to the associated polling place. “We provide opportunities year-round for voter registration and also help guests get the supporting documents they need to access voter registration and proof of ID for new-to-district voters,” said James.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/in-philadelphia-local-organizations-help-voters-with-housing-insecurity/
= new reply since forum marked as read
