Executive Order Limiting Mail-In Voting Raises Concerns for Voter Access

By Tia Turner, NLIHC Project Manager, Our Homes, Our Votes 

A recent executive order signed by President Trump introduces new restrictions on mail-in voting that could significantly limit access to the ballot, particularly for low-income renters and other historically marginalized communities. 

The executive order directs the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Social Security Administration, to develop a federal list of approved absentee voters. Under the order, the United States Postal Service would only be permitted to deliver mail-in ballots to individuals included on that list. This approach introduces new administrative barriers that could prevent eligible voters from accessing mail-in voting options. 

Mail-in voting remains a critical tool for expanding voter participation, particularly for individuals facing structural barriers such as housing instability, lack of transportation, inflexible work schedules, or caregiving responsibilities. For low-income renters, who are already underrepresented in the democratic process, restricting access to mail-in ballots risks further exacerbating existing inequities in voter participation. 

The provisions outlined in this executive order reflect broader policy proposals included in the SAVE Act, which NLIHC has strongly opposed due to its potential to restrict access to the ballot and disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Efforts to limit voter access through additional documentation requirements or restrictive eligibility systems undermine the ability of eligible voters to participate fully in elections. 

NLIHC’s Our Homes, Our Votes (OHOV) campaign continues to emphasize the importance of expanding—not restricting—access to voting. Ensuring that renters and low-income communities can fully participate in our democracy is essential to advancing equitable housing policies and strengthening civic engagement nationwide. 

Advocates, tenant leaders, and service providers interested in learning more about the intersection of housing advocacy and voter access are encouraged to join NLIHC’s ongoing Our Homes, Our Votes webinar series. The next session, taking place April 13 at 3:00 pm ET, “Protecting Voting Rights: Strengthening Democracy Through Local Housing Advocacy,” will explore how housing organizations can play a critical role in safeguarding voter access and building civic power in their communities. 

Read NLIHC’s full statement on the SAVE Act and its impact on low-income voters here.