Voting Rights of Homeless Individuals or Persons with Non-Traditional Residences

WHEREAS, a democracy derives its power and integrity from the full participation of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP supports democracy, dignity and freedom and is committed to ensuring the political equality of all persons; and

WHEREAS, election laws should embody a commitment to facilitate voting for all qualified individuals, including those who are homeless or have non-traditional residences; and

WHEREAS, laws governing the process or procedures for homeless individuals or persons with non-traditional residences to register to vote may vary significantly among states and may be cumbersome; and 

WHEREAS, homeless individuals or persons with non-traditional residences may experience difficulty in registering to vote and in exercising their right to vote and may require assistance in the voting process; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports local, state and federal legislation or guidelines that ensure that homeless individuals or persons with non-traditional residences have equal access to voting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls upon the federal government to earmark funds to assist homeless shelters and other temporary emergency housing facilities in providing assistance to homeless individuals or persons with non-traditional residences in registering to vote and in exercising their right to vote.