By Jessie Weisner

VULNERABLE VOTING

Voting options for homeless, vulnerable people

Sep 26, 2019 | 4:50 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Voting is simple for most people; Drive to a polling station, show Identification, and cast your ballot.

However, for homeless and vulnerable people, there can be a whole different set of challenges, especially when it comes to showing proper ID.

Elections Canada has taken steps to accommodate them.

“Sometimes the issue with homeless folks is that they don’t have identification, so that is an issue and we recognize that,” says Leanne Nyirfa, Elections Canada spokesperson

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According to Elections Canada’s website, if someone doesn’t have a government-issued identification that includes a photo, name and address, there’s two alternate options.

One is to bring two separate pieces of ID, one with a name, one with an address. This could include a voter information card and a bank statement.

If someone doesn’t have a permanent residence or any documents listing one, they can get a letter of confirmation of residence from facilities like the food bank or women’s shelter.

“They can ask the administrator for this letter and that person will sign it and they can bring that to Elections Canada when they come to vote as well as one piece of ID,” says Nyirfa.

A piece of identification showing a name is also needed.

That can include a variety of options, including a birth certificate, fishing license, and a library card.

“We’ve heard in various elections that identification can be a barrier for people who want to vote,” says Ken Feser, chief librarian at the Medicine Hat Public Library. “Of course we want everyone’s who’s eligible to be able to vote, so I’d be happy if anyone came in and if the library card was what enabled them.”

The information is exciting for Mike Gowanlock, a recovering addict who says when he was using drugs, he didn’t prioritize voting. He says getting a government-issued ID can be a challenge, especially with limited mobility.

However, now that he knows his options, he’s trying to let other vulnerable people in the community know.

“I’m trying to push the word out there, I’ve only ever voted once, this will be the second time I’ve voted, but I feel now it’s needed,” says Gowanlock.

There’s a free library card event coming up on October 5. The first 500 people to go to the library get a free card or a free renewal.