The webinar, “Building Voting Power Locally: How Local Elections Set the Stage for 2026,” focused on how local advocacy, organizing, and voter engagement efforts can strengthen democratic participation and build long-term civic power in communities.
This session centered on the critical role local elections and community-based strategies play in shaping housing outcomes and expanding access to the ballot. Speakers highlighted how local engagement is not only foundational to influencing policy decisions that impact renters but also essential to building sustained voter participation ahead of national elections. The webinar featured LaVita Tuff, Consulting Policy & Advocacy Manager at VoteRiders, and Kadida Kenner, CEO of the New Pennsylvania Project. Together, they offered insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping voter engagement at the local level.
Kadida Kenner started the webinar off by sharing best practices from her work leading the New Pennsylvania Project, highlighting strategies for effective local engagement. She discussed the importance of year-round organizing, meeting people where they are, and building trust within communities. Her remarks underscored that sustainable voter engagement is rooted in relationships, cultural competency, and a deep understanding of local needs and dynamics.
LaVita Tuff grounded the conversation in the ongoing barriers many voters face in accessing the ballot, particularly around voter ID requirements and documentation. She also provided an overview of the proposed SAVE Act, outlining how, if passed, it could impact millions of voters by creating additional barriers to registration and participation, especially for low-income renters and historically marginalized communities. Drawing from her work with VoteRiders, she highlighted how the organization supports voters through direct assistance, education, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that eligible voters have the tools and information needed to successfully cast their ballots.
Throughout the conversation, speakers reinforced that housing advocates are uniquely positioned to support civic participation by leveraging their relationships with tenants and embedding voter engagement into existing programs and services. From voter registration efforts at housing sites to tenant-led outreach and education, local strategies can have a powerful impact on both turnout and policy outcomes.
This webinar also served as a bridge to the broader 2026 OHOV series, introducing key themes around the intersection of housing justice and democracy that will be explored more deeply in upcoming sessions. The series is led by Tia Turner, NLIHC Project Manager for Our Homes, Our Votes, in partnership with Chantelle Wilkinson, NLIHC Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Campaigns.
The recording of the webinar can be found here.
The following links were shared on the call:
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Webinar hub to register
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Subscribe to NLIHC email list
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Become an affiliate
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Join the Housing Providers Council
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Our Homes, Our Votes resource library