A provincial election is has been set for February 27th, 2025. It’s important that everyone of voting age, who wants to vote, is empowered to do so.
Many people mistakenly believe that homeless individuals are unable to vote due to their housing instability. That is NOT TRUE. ALL individuals who are of voting age and can vote are ALLOWED to vote. They may, however, experience obstacles that prevent them from participating in the electoral process.
We’re calling on you to support the right of housing-insecure folks in your community by taking on one, or some of the activities listed below:
- Distribute the poster below to homeless folks in your community. Help explain what it means for those who need it.
2. Let your local agencies that serve the unhoused know that they have an opportunity to act as a “voucher” for community members if they do not have a formal ID or home address. They must apply for this with the province at THIS LINK. A link for this will be forthcoming from Elections Canada later on.
The agencies can do this by vouching for folks without a fixed address. Forms will be distributed to food banks, shelters, healthcare centres, and other community agencies. Agencies can also email outreach@elections.on.ca to request this paperwork as an agency.
3. If you are able and willing, please provide transportation to and from polling stations for advance polls and election day. If that feels uncomfortable for you, please support organizations providing transportation for unhoused individuals to get to and from the polling stations.
4. Please share this information with all your friends and family – share it on your social media and talk with your neighbours about this. Carry copies of this poster in your pocket, purse, briefcase, or backpack. Give them out to the homeless folks you meet. Post the poster on information boards in your community.
Our democracy is richer when all voices are heard. Let’s help it happen.