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]