Election worry over homeless vote

A third of homeless people did know they could register to vote

Homeless organisations have expressed concerns at figures which show the majority of homeless people in the South West will not be able to vote.

A recent survey by the region's edition of the Big Issue showed only 20% were registered to vote and a third said they were not even aware they could.

Homeless people have had the right to vote since the year 2000.

The Electoral Commission said it had worked hard with homeless groups to ensure people knew their rights.

The Commission said it tried to raise awareness of voting rights by targeting places used by homeless people, including hostels.

The Big Issue's Plymouth project manager, Andrew Woolman, said although it may not have been a priority for many homeless people, it was a concern that the percentage of those registered was so low.

He said: "It is a shame because we know that 60% to 70% of homeless people would vote if they realised that they had the chance."