Homeless people turning out to vote in this summer’s local and European elections could make a “big difference” to how politicians treat the issue, a charity has said. 

This morning, Focus Ireland and An Post will launch their Voter Registration Drive with the aim of making homelessness a key issue in the upcoming campaign.

People without a permanent residence can register with their local post office to ensure they are signed up to vote.

“That provides somewhere where your voting card and other materials can be sent to you,” Focus Ireland's Mike Allen said. 

“That allows people who aren’t able to give a place where they can guarantee to still be staying in six months or three months to get on the register.” 

A rough sleeper.

Mr Allen said it is extremely important that the voices of the homeless and those who have experienced homelessness are heard in the polls. 

“Over 50,000 adults have experienced homelessness over the past 10 years,” he said. 

“If they all use their vote to highlight that we’re looking for solutions to homelessness, that will really make a big difference. 

“[It will] put it back on the political agenda and back on the public agenda in the way that it needs to be if we’re to solve it.” 

At today’s launch, attendees will hear from James, a 20-year-old man who has recently experienced homelessness but is now housed by Focus Ireland. 

Homelessness in Ireland is currently at record levels, with the latest figures revealing that 13,531 people were living in emergency accommodation.

Main image: A homeless person's tent.