By Tia Turner, NLIHC Project Manager, Our Homes, Our Votes
Hosted by Our Homes, Our Votes at the 2026 Housing Policy Forum, “What’s at Stake for Housing on the Ballot and in the Supreme Court” breakout session will examine the powerful connection between housing justice and democracy at a pivotal moment for our movement.
As the nation prepares for the 2026 midterm elections, housing advocates must navigate both tremendous opportunities and urgent challenges. From state and local ballot measures advancing affordable housing and renters’ rights to high-profile Supreme Court cases shaping voting rights and fair representation, this session will explore what’s at stake for low-income renters—and how housing organizations can lead in response.
Panelists will discuss emerging voter ID requirements, state-level proposals often referred to as “mini SAVE Acts,” and the broader legal landscape impacting civic participation. The session will also highlight strategies to mobilize voters ahead of the 2026 midterms, close turnout gaps among low-income renters, and strengthen nonpartisan, housing-centered advocacy.
Attendees will leave with practical tools to:
- Engage residents in nonpartisan civic participation
- Build partnerships with voting rights organizations
- Navigate voter ID and election policy changes
- Elevate housing as a defining issue in 2026
Free printed copies of the recent “Turning Renters into Voters: Lessons in Engaging Low-Income Communities” will be available to Forum 2026 attendees.
Join Us Before Forum: Our Homes, Our Votes Webinar
Ahead of Forum, we invite you to join the next session in the Our Homes, Our Votes monthly webinar series on March 9 at 3:00 pm ET. This session will be focused on “Building Voting Power Locally: How Local Elections Set the Stage for 2026.” This webinar will highlight how local and state advocacy efforts shape housing policy outcomes and help build the civic infrastructure necessary to drive turnout in federal elections. Participants will learn how local engagement strengthens long-term voter participation and advances housing justice priorities.
Speakers from New PA Project will discuss building durable civic engagement infrastructure at the local and state levels, and VoteRiders will provide practical guidance on navigating voter ID requirements and emerging state-level proposals often referred to as “mini SAVE Acts.”
Register today and join us as we build housing-centered voter power heading into Forum and the 2026 midterms.