By Tia Turner, NLIHC
Mail-in voting is an important option for many renters, particularly people who face transportation barriers, have unpredictable work schedules, have disabilities, or cannot easily get to a polling location.
Rules for voting by mail vary by state. Depending on where they live, voters may be able to request a ballot, vote by mail without providing a reason, or use other absentee voting options. Deadlines for requesting and returning ballots also differ.
Because these rules can change, voters should use their state or local election office and other trusted, nonpartisan resources to confirm current requirements.
Recent federal actions have also created uncertainty around mail-in voting. In March 2026, President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to take steps that would change how mail-in ballots are administered, including directing the development of a federal list of voters eligible to receive mail-in ballots and directing the U.S. Postal Service to limit delivery of ballots to voters included on that list. NLIHC raised concerns that these requirements could create additional administrative barriers for eligible voters. (National Low Income Housing Coalition; https://tr.ee/uSf3B1)
The order has faced ongoing legal challenges, and litigation continues. As a result, information about mail-in voting may continue to change as courts consider the administration’s actions.
Renters who plan to vote by mail should not rely on information from previous elections. Instead, voters should confirm current deadlines, eligibility requirements, ballot-request procedures, and ballot-return instructions with their state or local election officials.
“Renters who plan to vote by mail should not rely on information from previous elections.”
Executive Orders and the Future of Voting Rights
The changes to mail-in voting are part of a broader national debate over who has authority to establish and administer elections and how federal actions can affect voting access.
The Constitution gives states an important role in administering elections, while Congress has authority to establish certain federal election rules. Executive actions attempting to change election procedures can therefore raise questions about federal authority, state election administration, and voters’ access to the ballot.
For renters and housing advocates, the practical concern is how changes in election rules affect people who already face barriers to participation. New requirements, changing deadlines, uncertainty about voting options, or confusion about whether a ballot will be accepted can discourage participation even when a voter is eligible to vote.
This is why trusted, nonpartisan information is especially important during an election cycle with significant changes to voting rules.
Housing organizations can help residents navigate this environment without taking a partisan position. Organizations can:
- Share verified information from state and local election officials.
- Remind residents to check their voter registration information.
- Provide current information about registration and voting deadlines.
- Explain available voting options, including early and mail-in voting.
- Connect residents with nonpartisan voter assistance organizations.
- Encourage residents to make a voting plan before Election Day.
- Avoid sharing unverified information about voting requirements or election procedures.