H.R. 10215: Our Homes, Our Votes Act
Date Introduced: November 28, 2024
Sponsor: Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)
Cosponsors: Currently, there are no cosponsors.
Summary:
The Our Homes, Our Votes Act (H.R. 10215) is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that aims to ensure fair and equitable access to voting for individuals who experience housing instability. The bill seeks to remove barriers that prevent unhoused individuals from participating in the electoral process.
Key Provisions:
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Voter Registration Enhancement: The bill requires states to provide voter registration opportunities at homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, and other facilities serving unhoused individuals. States must also implement online voter registration systems that allow individuals to register without a fixed address.
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Election Day Assistance: The bill ensures that unhoused individuals have access to polling places and assistance with voting on Election Day. States must establish designated polling places in areas with high concentrations of unhoused individuals and provide transportation services to and from polling locations.
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Automatic Voter Registration: The bill requires states to implement automatic voter registration for individuals who interact with homeless service providers. This provision would streamline the voter registration process and make it easier for unhoused individuals to register to vote.
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Protection from Voter Suppression: The bill prohibits states from implementing any laws or practices that discriminate against unhoused individuals in the electoral process. This includes laws that require photo identification or proof of address, which can be difficult for unhoused individuals to obtain.
Importance:
Housing instability is a significant barrier to civic participation. Unhoused individuals often face challenges in obtaining identification documents, registering to vote, and accessing polling places. These barriers disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities. The Our Homes, Our Votes Act aims to address these challenges and ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
Support and Opposition:
The bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing or vote in the House of Representatives. It is likely to face opposition from Republicans, who have generally resisted efforts to expand voting rights. However, the bill has received support from many voting rights and housing advocacy groups, who argue that it is essential to ensure fair and equitable access to voting for all Americans.
Conclusion:
The Our Homes, Our Votes Act is a critical piece of legislation that would remove barriers to voting for unhoused individuals. By providing voter registration assistance, ensuring access to polling places, and protecting against voter suppression, the bill would promote civic participation and strengthen our democracy. Its passage would be a significant step towards ensuring that all Americans have a voice in shaping their government.
H.R. 10215 (IH) – Our Homes, Our Votes Act
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