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H.R. 4914: Unhoused VOTE Act

This bill, known as the Unhoused VOTE Act, aims to improve voting access for individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States. Its primary focus is to ensure that unhoused individuals can register to vote and participate in federal elections without facing barriers due to their living situations. Below are the key components of the bill outlined in various sections:

Voting Rights of Unhoused Citizens

No state or political subdivision can deny or limit the right to vote for individuals based on their living conditions, including those residing in nontraditional abodes such as shelters or other temporary living situations.
The Attorney General has the authority to take legal action against any entity violating these voting rights.
Individuals who believe their rights under this bill have been violated can also seek legal remedies.
The bill maintains and clarifies that it does not override existing rights protected under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
It defines 'nontraditional abodes' to include various living arrangements common among unhoused individuals.

Protections and Best Practices for Access to Voting

The election officials are required to ensure that drop boxes for voting are accessible to unhoused individuals. Locations will be chosen based on their accessibility for this population.
States must accept a signed statement from the voter as acceptable proof of residence, rather than requiring traditional documentation that may be difficult for unhoused individuals to provide.
Individuals residing in shelters can use those shelters as their registered address for voting purposes.
Voter registration and voting information must be accessible online, with clear guidance specifically for unhoused individuals. This information must also be available in multiple languages when required.
States must notify local shelters and social services about voter registration deadlines and election dates, enhancing outreach to unhoused individuals.
The bill calls for the development of best practices to assist election officials in promoting voting access for unhoused individuals, with input from relevant stakeholders, including those who have experienced homelessness.

Grants to Support Access to Voting

The bill establishes a grant program managed by the Election Assistance Commission to finance initiatives aimed at improving voting access for unhoused individuals. This may include mobile voting units or outreach efforts.
State and local governments can use grant funds to collaborate with private organizations that help unhoused individuals with the voting process.
Eligibility for grants requires assurances that the applicants are working with entities experienced in addressing the needs of unhoused individuals.
Any documents created using grant funds must be durable and suitable for the condition of unhoused individuals.

General Provisions

The bill clarifies the definition of 'State' to include all U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
It specifies that the legislation will take effect for federal elections six months after its enactment.

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This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

Actions

2 actions

Date	Action
Aug. 05, 2025	Introduced in House
Aug. 05, 2025	Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

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