INSIDE THE CURRENT STATE OF VOTING RIGHTS
The laws shaping access to the ballot in 2026 and beyond
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, voters across the country are facing new rules and changes. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way in making your voice heard at the ballot box. Don’t get caught off guard, check your voting requirements now →
Now, here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:
In 2025, state lawmakers across the country considered hundreds of bills that would change how we vote.
31 restrictive laws passed in 16 states, making it harder to vote, with 30 of these 31 laws going into effect for the 2026 midterm elections.
What did these laws do?
- Created stricter vote-by-mail rules
- Made stricter voter ID requirements
- Allowed more aggressive voter roll purges
30 expansive laws passed in 25 states, making it easier to vote. All 30 of these laws are going into effect for the 2026 midterm elections.
What did these laws do?
- Made voter registration more accessible
- Increased access to vote by mail
- Improved access for voters with disabilities
*Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming passed BOTH restrictive and expansive voting laws in 2025.
8 election interference laws passed in 7 states, bringing politics into election administration by giving partisan officials more control over local elections. All 8 of these laws will be in effect for the 2026 midterm elections
What did these laws do?
- Gave partisan politicians more power to control local election processes
- Established new ballot counting rules