COLORADO SPRINGS — Many of us are either putting those ballots in the mailbox or heading to our local ballot drop box to return our filled-out ballots.
But what about those who do not have an address to receive a ballot or are displaced or homeless? Well, despite the obvious voting in person. Resources are available for those who may not have a home or are displaced.
The Colorado Secretary of State's Office has a few recommendations for voters without a fixed permanent home:
- Voters in this situation should be sure to update their address with their local county clerk as soon as possible.
- Voters in this situation who miss or are not able to access their mail ballot may always visit a polling center located in their county to vote
- Voters without a fixed permanent home should be registered at the place they consider their “home base”.
- “Home base” means a location the voter regularly returns to and intends to remain.
- This can include a park, vacant lot, or homeless shelter.
- It’s important that a voter who is registered at a location that does not receive mail also designates a mailing address where they can pick up their ballot. This mailing address can be anywhere that the voter can access their mail on a regular basis and can include a post office box.
"I came here on February 29th," said Kelly Danforth, experiencing homelessness.
The challenges of homelessness and sleeping on the streets during the winter are what drove her to seek shelter with the Springs Rescue Mission.
Being homeless didn't stop her from casting her ballot.
"I requested my ballot online. I was already registered. They mailed right to me," Danforth said.
The mailing service at Springs Rescue Mission became a designated mailing address for those without permanent addresses.
"Everybody can do this, Everybody should do this," Danforth said.
If you are experiencing eviction or are displaced by a natural disaster, you can find more information about how to vote, HERE.
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