The number of homeless people in U.S., age 18 and above, is around half a million (541,484) at any given point in 2023 according to the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR).[1] The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that, at each election, around 10% of the homeless exercise the right to vote.[2]
There are barriers for the homeless to register to vote. They may lack a place of residence, a mailing address or a form of identification.[3] Having a place to live is not a prerequisite to vote. As argued in 1984 case Pitts v. Black, people are eligible to vote even if they do not live in traditional accommodations.[4] The cost of transport to the ballot station is also an obstacle for the homeless to vote as well as the feeling of being politically disenfranchised.[5]
For registration purpose homeless can use the mailing address of shelters or churches or post offices. Each state has its own voter registration requirements.[6]
| Year | Elections | Est. number of homeless | Est. age 18 and above | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012[7] | Presidential | 633,782 | N/a | |
| 2014[8] | Midterm | 578,424 | 439,602 | |
| 2016[9] | Presidential | 549,928 | 429,109 | |
| 2018[10] | Midterm | 552,830 | 441,238 | |
| 2020[11] | Presidential | 580,466 | 474,102 | |
| 2022[12] | Midterm | 582,462 | 484,218 |