In partnership with The League of Women Voters of Lane County (LWVLC), CSS is making significant strides in expanding voter registration outreach to unhoused individuals in our community. Historically, unhoused individuals have faced numerous barriers to voter registration and participation, including lack of a permanent address, identification issues, lack of information on candidates and issues, and limited access to information about the voting process. 

This year LWVLC volunteers started by providing a training session with CSS staff about the voter registration process and voting in Oregon. Staff members took voter registration cards into our Safe Spot Communities and answered questions at community weekly meetings about voting and completing a voter registration card. In addition, LWVLC volunteers hosted a voter registration booth at the Access Center as part of National Voter Registration Day to engage with both clients and individuals on our waitlist. Safe Spot Communities also received Voter Pamphlets and the Oregon League of Women Voters Voting Guide.

When unhoused individuals are included in the democratic process, their unique needs and challenges are more likely to be addressed in policy making. Voting empowers people to advocate for their rights to support  both important change or the continuation of things they care about. This outreach helps to create a more inclusive democracy where all people in our community, those housed and unhoused, have a stake in the decisions that impact their lives.

CSS plans to continue this outreach and work with the LWVLC to expand both voter registration and voter education opportunities within the unhoused community.