By Tia Turner, NLIHC Project Manager, Our Homes, Our Votes
As the 2026 election cycle continues, several developments regarding voting rights and democracy have received national attention. These events touch on issues of voter data privacy, election administration, and public confidence in democratic processes—all areas directly connected to NLIHC’s commitment to supporting safe and nonpartisan civic engagement among low-income renters and housing advocates.
On January 25, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz requesting access to the state’s voter registration rolls and certain related data. Minnesota election officials, including Secretary of State Steve Simon, publicly declined the request, emphasizing that state law protects voter registration data and that the federal government cannot compel its release outside established legal processes. State officials noted that courts have previously upheld state authority over the handling of voter data and reinforced that voter information is subject to privacy protections under state election law. The situation highlights ongoing national discussions about the balance of state and federal roles in election oversight, as well as the importance of clear legal frameworks governing access to voter information. For nonprofits and community organizations engaged in voter registration and education, these conversations underscore the need to follow established state guidance on data handling and to prioritize the privacy and security of individuals they serve.
In days following, on January 28, the FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center in Georgia. Federal agents collected election-related materials connected to prior election records as part of an ongoing legal matter. Local election officials have stated they are working to understand how the materials will be maintained and how this action may affect their office operations. News coverage has framed the search within broader, long-running legal disputes related to election records and post-2020 election litigation in Georgia. This development has prompted discussion among election administrators and advocates about record preservation, transparency, and the legal processes that govern election materials.
NLIHC remains committed to empowering communities and partners to conduct voter engagement in ways that are nonpartisan, transparent, and respectful of voter rights. We are continuing to monitor developments related to voter data privacy, election administration, and federal–state dynamics, particularly where they may affect nonprofits, housing providers, and tenant leaders engaged in civic participation. In the coming months, NLIHC’s Our Homes, Our Votes will continue to provide tools, webinars, and technical support to help partners navigate civic engagement throughout the year. This includes sharing best practices around nonpartisanship, data protection, and compliance with state election laws, as well as sharing updates that offer context.
Partners are encouraged to join the Our Homes, Our Votes Campaign webinar kick-off as well as monthly webinars to be held thereafter. Our first monthly webinar, “Voter Engagement Partners in Action: Replicating What Works for Renters,” will be on Monday February 9, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET. This session will be a deep dive into the 2025 best practice report. This event will highlight patterns from the field, innovations piloted across six communities, and new tools for 2026.
Register for webinar here.
For more information about NLIHC’s nonpartisan Our Homes, Our Votes campaign, visit ourhomes-ourvotes.org