How Northeast Ohioans Are Helping Homeless Register To Vote

The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless is ramping up efforts to help people who are experiencing homelessness around Cleveland cast a ballot.

So far, about 150 people will be able to vote because of the coalition’s registration drive, which aims to allow people to register to vote with addresses of local shelters and churches so housing status doesn’t keep them from receiving a ballot. Spokesperson Molly Martin recently explained to NPR that the coalition aims to “streamline” the ballot application process.

Karen Leith of the League of Women Voters of Hudson added that efforts to help people who are homeless cast a vote meant educating the public about the voting options available. The League of Women Voters of Hudson is collaborating with nearly three dozen nonprofits and other agencies to help register people to vote, despite housing circumstances.

Martin’s volunteers can also arrange transportation and supply postage to people who are homeless to help them cast a ballot.

“Now, I feel like, is the time for me to go in and voice my opinion,” said James Harrison, who is one of about 150 to register to vote because of the organization’s efforts. “But I do need a little help.”

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