New Legislation Impacting Homeless Voters in Georgia (SB 189)

On May 7, 2024, Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 189 which enacts significant changes to Georgia's voting laws, particularly affecting homeless individuals and those without permanent addresses.

Key Provisions

Registration Requirements: Under SB 189, homeless individuals must register to vote using the address of their county’s election office rather than a location where they may be staying, such as a shelter or a temporary residence. This change is set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This requirement will complicate the registration process for homeless voters who may not have easy access to these offices or may feel uncomfortable visiting them due to stigma or security concerns.

Mail Delivery Restrictions: The law mandates that all election-related mail for homeless voters must be sent to the county election office. This includes important documents such as absentee ballots and notifications about challenges to their voter registration status. In the past, many homeless individuals could receive mail at shelters or other supportive services, which were more accessible. The new provision could force these voters to travel long distances to retrieve their mail, further complicating their ability to participate in elections.

Challenges

The legislation makes it easier for citizens to challenge the eligibility of voters registered at nonresidential addresses. This means that if a homeless individual registers using the county election office as their address, it could still be used against them in an eligibility challenge.

Many homeless individuals lack the necessary identification required for voting, which compounds the difficulties posed by the new law. While some states have provisions allowing people without fixed addresses to register and vote, Georgia’s new rules may deter these individuals from even attempting to register.

Civil rights organizations such as the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP and Fair Fight Action have filed lawsuits challenging SB 189 on grounds of discrimination against the homeless and a violation of their voting rights.

We will keep you informed on those proceedings.

Full bill can be read here.