Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5294

Introduced
8/25/23  

Caption

Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act

Impact

The bill directly impacts state laws regarding voter registration and qualifications, establishing that no state can impose requirements that would disenfranchise citizens based on their residence at nontraditional locations. This includes recognizing shelters as voter registration agencies and simplifying the processes surrounding documentation of residence, allowing individuals to provide written attestations instead of traditional forms of ID. This legislative change aims to expand the electorate to include a significant portion of the population that has typically been excluded from the voting process.

Summary

House Bill 5294, known as the 'Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act', aims to eliminate barriers for unhoused individuals to register and vote in federal elections. The legislation outlines provisions that acknowledge the unique challenges faced by those without permanent housing, specifically allowing them to use unofficial addresses, like street locations, during the voting registration process. This act hopes to ensure that unhoused citizens are able to exercise their right to vote without facing discrimination or additional obstacles due to their living conditions.

Contention

Despite its inclusive intent, the bill may face opposition related to concerns about election security and the integrity of the voting process. Critics may argue that allowing unsheltered individuals to use unofficial addresses could open up avenues for voter fraud, though the legislation seeks to address this by emphasizing enforcement and adherence to established voting rights frameworks such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Further, the suggestion that unhoused individuals be actively reached out to through organized efforts raises concerns about the adequacy of resources and the potential burden on already strained local election offices.

Companion Bills

US SB2971

Same As Unhoused VOTE Act Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act

Previously Filed As

US SB2971

Unhoused VOTE Act Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act

US HB5295

Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act Expanding the VOTE Act

US HR634

Unhoused Persons Bill of Rights

US HB4563

ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

US HB5293

Youth Voting Rights Act

US HB5290

Voters on the Move Registration Act of 2023

US HB4720

Direct Creation, Advancement, and Retention of Employment Opportunity Act of 2023

US SB2344

Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023

US HB4460

NO VOTE for Non-Citizens Act of 2023 Non-citizens: Outlawed from Voting in Our Trusted Elections Act of 2023

US HB1588

ACTION for National Service Act America’s Call To Improve Opportunities Now for National Service Act

Similar Bills

US HB1708

Housing Is a Human Right Act of 2023

US HB5387

Delivering Integral, Rehabilitating, Empathetic, Comprehensive and Targeted Care for the Homeless Act of 2023. DIRECT Care for the Homeless Act of 2023

US HB3847

SUPPORT For SNAP Act Securing Unhoused Peoples’ Program for Outreach Resources and Transportation For SNAP Act

US HR634

Unhoused Persons Bill of Rights

US HB773

Homelessness and Behavioral Health Care Coordination Act of 2023

US HB2994

Returning Home Act

US SB680

DASH Act Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for All Act

US HB5137

START Housing Act of 2023 Supporting Transition And Recovery Through Housing Act of 2023