New ID rules break down barriers for voters who are homeless

Elections Canada is teaming up with local charities to help give the homeless and precariously housed a chance to vote.

Those without a permanent address can face a number of obstacles when trying to vote, and Elections Canada is making a concerted effort to smooth out the process. That's according to Rejean Grenier, the regional media advisor for Elections Canada in Ontario.

A shelter, soup kitchen or other institution can sign a form provided by Elections Canada "and that acts as a proof of address," he said "and then the person can go to the nearest polling station, advanced polls or on election day, and can actually vote."

House of Friendship in Kitchener-Waterloo is one of the charities involved in the effort.

In order to get the vote out, "Elections Canada has actuallyhired an outreach worker specifically for Kitchener Centre," Jessica Bondy said. She's thedirector of housing services at House of Friendship.

Polling stations have been places that people who are homeless may have been previously barred from, according to Bondy.

She added that busy lineups can be difficult for those with mental health issues, and people may feel unwelcome or judged in these spaces based on their appearance.

There could also be issues around reading comprehensionor a need for additional support to manage the voting process itself, she said.

"On Saturday, one of our staff members walked with over 15 participants to the advance polling station," she said. "They were welcomed with open arms from the folks at Elections Canada, and the staff that were working at that station."

"Ultimately, at the end of the day, all of the 15 participants that we brought over had the documentation and identification they needed to vote and were really proud of themselves for participating in the electoral process."