2025: Empowering the Future through Education, Diversity, and Hope
Democracy Only Works for the Wealthy: Homelessness and Voting in Washington State
Location
Hemmingson Ballroom
Start Date
15-4-2025 12:40 PM
End Date
15-4-2025 1:40 PM
Description
American representative democracy is a system of government in which elected officials represent the interests of the people, with authority derived from popular consent (Dahl, 2003). Financial standing should not disqualify American citizens from voting, nor should it heighten their influence over elections. Yet, in American society today, the wealthy’s votes, in the form of financial contributions, far outweigh those of others (Montanaro, 2016). Indeed, some of America’s poorest citizens may have no voice at all. As a result of a voter registration system that requires a mailing address, most of America’s unhoused citizens have difficulty registering to vote (VoteRiders, n.d.). In fact, only 1 in 10 unhoused people vote in elections (National Health Care for the Homeless Council, 2024). This project will explain the process of voter registration in the state of Washington showing how it excludes many of our poorest citizens and why this is consequential. Upholding democratic principles of representation and equality requires the full participation of eligible voters who are directly affected by law and policies. The project will conclude by 1) noting how Washington state has made positive changes to enable unhoused people to more easily vote, and 2) draw attention to the ways in which Washington State should continue to improve voting access for homeless and impoverished people to participate.
Recommended Citation
Readel, Annika and Corcoran, Audrey, "Democracy Only Works for the Wealthy: Homelessness and Voting in Washington State" (2025). Diversity & Social Justice in Education Conference. 27.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/dsjconf/2025/general/27
Publication Date
2025
Democracy Only Works for the Wealthy: Homelessness and Voting in Washington State
Hemmingson Ballroom
American representative democracy is a system of government in which elected officials represent the interests of the people, with authority derived from popular consent (Dahl, 2003). Financial standing should not disqualify American citizens from voting, nor should it heighten their influence over elections. Yet, in American society today, the wealthy’s votes, in the form of financial contributions, far outweigh those of others (Montanaro, 2016). Indeed, some of America’s poorest citizens may have no voice at all. As a result of a voter registration system that requires a mailing address, most of America’s unhoused citizens have difficulty registering to vote (VoteRiders, n.d.). In fact, only 1 in 10 unhoused people vote in elections (National Health Care for the Homeless Council, 2024). This project will explain the process of voter registration in the state of Washington showing how it excludes many of our poorest citizens and why this is consequential. Upholding democratic principles of representation and equality requires the full participation of eligible voters who are directly affected by law and policies. The project will conclude by 1) noting how Washington state has made positive changes to enable unhoused people to more easily vote, and 2) draw attention to the ways in which Washington State should continue to improve voting access for homeless and impoverished people to participate.
Comments
Poster Session B