Legal Experts, Election Advocates Urge Voters to Prepare Early as Rules Continue to Change
As the nation moves closer to the 2026 midterm elections, legal experts, voting rights advocates, and election observers warn that one of the greatest threats to democracy may not be widespread voter fraud but confusion, misinformation, and changing election rules that could prevent eligible Americans from casting their ballots. During a national news briefing hosted by American Community Media, three leading experts discussed the rapidly evolving voting landscape, emphasizing that voters must understand the laws in their own states well before Election Day.
Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), said this year’s elections carry extraordinary significance because they will determine control of Congress and influence state and local governments across the country. He warned that while much public attention has focused on election integrity, the greater concern is ensuring that every eligible citizen can actually vote.
“I am pleased to join you in advance of what may be the most important election we’ve faced to date in this country,” Saenz said. “The most important thing now is accurate information about what it will take to vote.”
Understanding the Real Challenges
Saenz explained that Americans are currently facing two major issues. The first involves legal battles over congressional and legislative district boundaries following recent Supreme Court decisions that make it more difficult to challenge district maps under the Voting Rights Act. He said these changes could reduce the number of majority minority districts in several Southern states, making it more difficult for minority communities to elect candidates of their choice.
The second issue, he said, directly affects voters themselves through new state laws involving voter identification requirements, registration procedures, and ballot counting.
Saenz stressed that while many people have heard about executive orders related to elections, the President cannot unilaterally change federal election laws.
“The president of the United States has no authority, no authority to regulate elections,” Saenz stated. “Only Congress has the authority to regulate federal elections.”
He encouraged journalists, community organizations, churches, and ethnic media outlets to educate voters now rather than waiting until the final weeks before the election.
Millions Could Face Identification Barriers
Da Hae Kim, Policy and Advocacy Manager for VoteRiders, presented research showing that voter identification requirements continue to create significant challenges for millions of eligible Americans.
According to VoteRiders, approximately 21 million voting-age U.S. citizens do not possess a current, unexpired driver’s license. Nearly 29 million others have licenses that no longer reflect their current name or address. These problems disproportionately affect communities of color, young adults, rural residents, low-income Americans, and individuals impacted by natural disasters.
“We are confronting this crisis through on-the-ground community organizing, digital outreach and education,” Kim said. “Millions of Americans would not be able to comply with such requirements.”
Kim explained that obtaining proper identification is often much more complicated than many assume. Transportation costs, document fees, lost records, and time away from work frequently become obstacles for people already struggling financially.
She also reminded voters that acceptable forms of identification vary from state to state.
“The type of ID matters,” Kim explained. “Different states have different types of IDs that they will take.”
VoteRiders assists eligible voters by helping pay identification fees, arranging transportation to licensing offices, and guiding applicants through the process of obtaining necessary documents.
Local Elections Reflect National Concerns
While national policies often dominate headlines, Annelise Pierce, founder and managing editor of the nonprofit news organization Shasta Scout, illustrated how election debates are playing out at the local level.
Pierce described Shasta County, California, where local officials have proposed major changes to election administration, including voter identification measures, modifications to voting equipment, and changes to voter registration procedures. Some of these proposals are currently facing legal challenges from the State of California.
Rather than focusing solely on political motives, Pierce emphasized the practical consequences of constant procedural changes.
“Elections are both about process and policy, but it’s also about optics and perceptions,” Pierce said. “The public needs to understand how to vote, and they need to feel safe coming to vote.”
She noted that changes in poll worker training, voting technology, and administrative procedures have sometimes resulted in longer lines, voter confusion, and reduced confidence in the election process.
Misinformation Remains a Major Concern
All three panelists agreed that misinformation may represent the greatest threat heading into the 2026 elections.
Saenz cautioned that false information about polling locations, voting dates, registration requirements, and ballot procedures often circulates shortly before elections, making it difficult to correct in time.
“My biggest worry about election integrity in the midterms is misinformation and disinformation,” Saenz said. “We need to get folks preventive inoculation about these issues because it’s very hard to respond to them in real time.”
Kim expressed concern that many voters may only discover shortly before Election Day that they lack the identification required by their state.
Pierce added that uncertainty itself damages public confidence, especially when election rules continue changing close to voting deadlines.
An Important Role for Community Media
The discussion highlighted the critical role trusted local and ethnic media organizations play in educating diverse communities. The speakers repeatedly encouraged journalists to provide accurate, timely information about registration deadlines, voter identification requirements, polling locations, and official election procedures rather than amplifying unsupported claims about election fraud.
As Americans prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, the experts shared one common message. Democracy depends not only on secure elections, but also on ensuring that every eligible citizen understands the voting process and has the opportunity to participate. For churches, community organizations, and publications like The Christian Herald, helping readers navigate changing election rules may prove just as important as covering the campaigns themselves.