Even when somebody is homeless, they still can vote.
Issues affecting people experiencing homelessness appear on ballots all the time. From rules regulating evictions, to urban camping bans, to measures that raise millions for affordable housing, the outcomes of these elections impact unhoused residents.
In Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston campaigned on ending homelessness in his first term. He has already sheltered almost 2,000 people experiencing homelessness. It is unknown, however, how many people experiencing homelessness voted for him.
Ballot box issues impact people experiencing homelessness
In November, voters will be asked whether to approve an 0.5% sales tax increase to pay for affordable housing for the next several years. The mayor claims the tax would solve the city’s affordable housing crisis, generating $100 million annually.
“We’ve seen elected officials talk about housing and homelessness on the campaign trail and adopt some of the strongest housing platforms in history,” said Ann Oliva of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “We’ve seen voters eager to enact bold solutions at the ballot box through bond measures, tenant protection initiatives and other innovative polities,” added Donald Whitehead, also of the Alliance.