Organisation : Victorian Electoral Commission
Facility : Homeless Education and Engagement Program
Country : Australia
Territory : Victoria
Homeless Education and Engagement Program : https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/
Home Page : http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Default.html
Homeless Education and Engagement Program :
‘I think the ‘Homeless not Voteless’ culture change at St Mary’s is a powerful achievement and would like to see other homeless sector organisations champion it too… call me a dreamer but I think there is potential for a groundswell movement locally’
– Community Planner, City of Yarra, 2013
Without having a permanent address, enrolling and voting might seem impossible. However everyone who is 18 + and Australian in our community, has the right to vote, regardless of their living circumstances.
If you are experiencing homelessness it is possible to enrol under a special category, which also means that if you are unable to vote during an election because of your personal circumstances – you will not be fined.
Through our ‘Homeless not Voteless’ program the VEC can visit homelessness agencies and assist people with enrolling and voting – in a safe, non-threatening environment.
Why should people experiencing homelessness vote? :
Hear the experiences of ‘Homeless not Voteless’ champions, St Mary’s House of Welcome, on why they think it is so important that their clients vote.
We want to get involved :
Our Community Education and Engagement Officers can visit homelessness organisations to :
** speak at staff and network meetings about the rights and responsibilities of people experiencing homelessness and the opportunities that elections present for the homeless sector
** provide enrolment material to be included in tenant induction packs
** run enrolment outreach sessions and ensure that clients, if appropriate, are enrolled under the ‘no fixed address’ category and
** provide mobile voting services during election time so that clients can vote in an environment in which they feel comfortable.
Make a Booking :
Contact our Education and Engagement Team to discuss how we can support clients to enrol and vote in elections.
T: 131 832
E: info@vec.vic.gov.au
Becoming a Silent Elector :
If the safety of your client and their family is at risk, they can apply to be a silent elector. This means their address will not be shown on the publicly available electoral roll. More information about becoming a silent elector can be found at Silent Elector.
Homelessness Advisory Group :
With representation from key homelessness organisations from across Victoria and consumer participation, the Homelessness Advisory Group meets regularly to guide the direction of the Homeless not Voteless program.