Can I vote if I’m homeless?

The Canadian Government recognizes that it would go against the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms not to allow those without a residence to vote. This wasn't always the case: homeless Canadians weren't explicitly denied the right to vote prior to the 2000 federal election, but they couldn't be placed on the federal voter's list without a fixed mailing address and valid identification. This regulation effectively barred them from voting in federal elections. Since then, however, things have changed.

From the Elections Canada site FAQ:

Can a person who is homeless vote?

Yes, an elector who is homeless or without a fixed address can vote, if he or she registers on the voters list during an election. To register, the elector must provide proof of identity and the address where he or she is staying.

Proof of identity can be an official document bearing the elector's name. For identity and residence, the attestation of residence by the administrator of a local shelter is acceptable, if the shelter has provided food, lodging or other social services to the elector. In order to register and vote, the elector will also be required to provide a second document authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer showing the name of the elector.

Well, that doesn’t seem to make the process any easier. But wait, there’s more; In 2000, the federal requirements changed. A homeless person can now register under a homeless shelter's address to be eligible to vote, as long as the shelter has provided food or lodging to that person recently. The voter still has to show identification with a name and a signature. But if they have no identification, an employee of the shelter or another voter registered in the same district can "vouch for the person" by verifying that he or she is a resident.

Without such proof, a person who is homeless can register on election day as long as another voter who is registered in the same electoral     district, and who provides satisfactory proof of identity and residence,     can vouch for that person.

This change had the potential to affect an estimated 200,000 homeless Canadians. For Homelessnation.org, it meant collaborating with a local priest to write affidavits for the neighbourhood’s homeless, and walk them down to the polling station to vote. Can your organization or local shelter mobilize to make sure that all your residents get their voices heard?

Click here for more information on the Canada Elections Act enacted in 2000