As the 2026 midterm elections approach, election officials across the United States are addressing significant concerns regarding mail-in voting, citizenship verification, and congressional redistricting. These issues were discussed at a recent roundtable hosted by the Partnership for Large Election Jurisdictions in Washington, D.C.
1. Mail-In Ballot Processes:
Election administrators report a decrease in mail-in ballot requests, with some jurisdictions observing a drop of about 5% to 6%. Jessica Garofolo, from Allegheny County, PA, highlighted this decline but noted an increase of 10,000 requests after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states could accept late mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day.
Dean Logan from Los Angeles County anticipates changes in how voters will return mail-in ballots, suggesting an increase in the use of drop boxes and in-person voting due to recent updates in postal service policies.
2. Citizenship Verification:
The U.S. Supreme Court has permitted the continuation of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify the citizenship of registered voters. While this system can confirm citizenship, it cannot confirm non-citizenship, which raises concerns among election officials about accuracy in voter verification.
Wendy Sartory Link of Palm Beach County, FL, emphasized the need for careful scrutiny of the SAVE program, as it often relies on outdated information.
3. Redistricting Issues:
The Supreme Court’s decision clarifying that Missouri cannot use a proposed congressional map favoring Republicans has been welcomed by election officials. Eric Fey, from St. Louis County, expressed concerns about the clarity necessary for issuing ballots correctly given the ongoing uncertainty around district maps.
Missouri voters will face two referendums regarding a congressional map that may favor Republicans, raising questions about voter education on the issue.
4. Encouragement for Voter Participation:
Election administrators are urging eligible voters to plan their voting strategy, check their registration status, and reach out with any questions or concerns before the upcoming elections on November 3.
Ahead of the midterm elections, key topics concerning mail-in ballots, citizenship verification, and redistricting are being addressed by election officials. As these discussions shape the electoral process, voter participation and clarity on regulations will be crucial for a smooth election experience.
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