Law in Illinois Gives Homeless Right to Vote

CHICAGO —  Homeless people in Illinois got the right to vote Wednesday with a new law allowing them to register without a permanent address. Advocates say it is the first law of its kind in the nation.

Under the law, a homeless person may register to vote if he or she has two forms of identification and a mailing address, such as a shelter.

Four other states have considered but failed to pass homeless voting laws.

Local advocates estimate there are 40,000 homeless people in Chicago and 100,000 across the state.

Since 1986, a consent decree has allowed the homeless of Chicago to vote, but Chicago Board of Elections attorney Mickey Levinson says only 350 of them have registered.

Officials say they believe that is because the homeless have not been made aware they can register without a permanent residence.

Levinson said the state will use the same system the city has used. The homeless voter must return a prepaid post card affidavit to verify registration 45 days before each election.

Because so few voters are involved, Levinson said it will be easy and inexpensive for counties and municipalities to begin homeless registration programs.