Challenges Faced by Homeless Voters in Georgia Election Bill

Homeless Voters in Georgia Face New Hurdles in Casting Ballots

After more than four decades of battling drug addiction and homelessness, Barry Dupree found a sense of empowerment when he cast his ballot in the 2020 election. “I felt like a human being, I felt like I was part of the world,” Mr. Dupree, 64, said. This milestone in his recovery was a moment of validation and belonging.

However, a new election bill in Georgia could complicate the voting process for homeless individuals like Mr. Dupree. The bill, which is awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature, includes a provision that would require all election-related mail for those without a permanent address to be sent to the county registrar office. This means that homeless voters would need to make additional trips to the government office to ensure their registration is up-to-date and to request an absentee ballot.

For many homeless voters, this requirement poses a significant burden. Transportation to government offices can be challenging, especially for those living in rural areas with limited access to transportation. The change could also create confusion for voters who already have limited access to information and news.

The impact of this provision is still unclear, but voting rights groups and homeless activists are concerned about its potential consequences. Donald H. Whitehead Jr., the executive director for the National Coalition for the Homeless, expressed worries about the difficulties it could pose for many in the homeless population.

The bill, sponsored by State Senator Max Burns, has faced criticism from activists who view it as unnecessary and rooted in unfounded claims about voter fraud. Dr. Carol Anderson, a board member of Fair Fight Action, described the bill as part of a longstanding tradition in Georgia to suppress votes and maintain power.

Despite these challenges, organizations like Gateway Center continue to encourage civic engagement among homeless individuals. Raphael Holloway, the chief executive at Gateway Center, emphasized the importance of civil engagement as part of their care and case management.

As the bill awaits the governor’s signature, homeless voters like William Dupree, a 70-year-old Army veteran, are concerned about the potential impact on their civic participation. Mr. Dupree, who became homeless after being priced out of his apartment, worries that rule changes in each election make it harder for individuals like him to stay engaged in the democratic process.

The new legislation not only affects homeless voters in Georgia but also raises broader questions about access to voting rights for marginalized populations. As the debate continues, the voices of individuals like Barry Dupree and William Dupree serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.