The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, Florida (about us) is partnering with the League of Women Voters for the first time in their effort to make sure that homeless people enjoy their right to vote- even without a residential address.Volunteers will begin visiting soup kitchens this week during lunch hours to register voters.
"That population doesn't trust the government very much," said Corinne Miller, LWV voter registration leader. "If they're coming for a meal at a recognized site, they know the personnel and they know we're working with them, so they'll have more trust in us."
Homeless people will be instructed to list the Supervisor of Elections Office' West Palm Beach address as their own, or a post office box. Voting by both absentee ballot and at local polling places will be encouraged.
'We're trying to restore (homeless people's) dignity to be respected as people that should be able to exercise their civil rights," said Rita Clark, ED of the Homeless Coalition. "And one of those rights is to be able to vote."
According to a 2007 census there are roughly 1,800 homeless people living in Palm Beach County.
"Some of the homeless people are probably not aware that they can vote," said Miller, "but they are affected most by the government."
(South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
1 comment:
Greetings:
We are about to open a transitional housing facility for veterans in West Palm Beach, Florida.
We are interested in finding homeless or about to be homeless veterans who need housing and some assistance in order to return to an orderly civilian life.
We are more interested in their potential than we are in how much they can
afford to pay for rent.
If you know would like to partner with us and know anyone who can use our services, please let us know.
Dan Margolis www.vetserve.org
917 842 4128
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