I'd like to register to vote, but I'm currently houseless. What can I do?
Answer
Individuals experiencing a period of houselessness may register to vote using the address of a shelter they are staying at if that shelter allows them to receive mail there, or the address of the location at which they are staying if they have moved in with friends or family and are receiving mail at that location.
For more information please contact your local election authority and check out the KCEB's "Registering to Vote While Unhoused" brochure.
- Jackson County Election Board's Registration Department: 816.325.4600
- Kansas City Election Board: 816.842.4820
If you need a photo ID and are currently experiencing homelessness, the Missouri Department of Revenue now offers a new way to prove your Missouri residency if you are seeking a non-REAL, nondriver Missouri state ID.
The new proof is the "Certification of Homeless Status and Residency" which allows a "homeless services provider" to:
- Attest to your status as unhoused (as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11302 ) or an unaccompanied youth (as defined by 42 U.S.C Section 11434a(6)) (link for 42 U.S.C) AND
- Permit you to receive your state ID at the agency's address.
In addition to this form, you must also provide required documents to verify your identity, lawful status, SSN, and name change, if/as applicable from the list of acceptable documents posted by the Missouri Department of Revenue at dor.mo.gov.
Applicable fees for the nondriver ID will apply.
According to the Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners, three local shelters that will allow you to receive your voter registration at their address are:
- ReStart Inc. (816.472.5664)
- Salvation Army (if you are a resident there - 816.421.5434)
- Sheffield Place (816.483.9927)