TAKE ACTION
Contact your elected officials about
voting rights legislation
In addition to mobilizing low-income renters and engaging candidates for public office, the Our Homes, Our Votes campaign advocates for federal legislation that would safeguard voting rights and reduce barriers to voting for low-income renters. See below for more information about key legislation and opportunities to take action.
Our Homes, Our Votes Act
The Our Homes, Our Votes Act (H.R. 2215), introduced by Representatives Garcia (D-IL) and Scanlon (D-PA), would allow residents of federally subsidized housing to register to vote as they sign their lease by adding federally subsidized housing to the National Voter Registration Act (better known as the Motor Voter Law). The bill makes it clear that all public housing agencies and other housing providers who use federal housing subsidies are expected to conduct voter registration activities at lease up, reducing voting barriers for some renters.
Letter to HUD
NLIHC, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Housing Law Project (NHLP), and Demos sent a letter on December 14, 2021 that urged HUD, the Treasury Department, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to protect and expand voting access for tenants in federally assisted properties. The letter details several recommendations for the departments to use their authority to support voter registration and participation among low-income tenants. Read the full letter here.