One can only assume they are mailing applications to ALL registered voters, both active and inactive. One can infer that the prior resident has not registered elsewhere in your state or county or that your jurisdiction is negligent in updating records.
Mrs. jimfree and I have received absentee applications that were to be sent to ALL voters. We have not received one for the prior owner who moved 34 years ago.
In my state, as far as I am aware, you have to vote in every general election - at least every 4 years - to remain registered. If you voted in the last general, you get a new voter card prior to the next one. If you didn’t, you don’t.
I’ve never been in the ‘didn’t-don’t’ position, but I’ve assumed that if one doesn’t get a new voter card every four years, they CAN’T vote.
And it seems to me that people who don’t vote or re-register should be dropped from the rolls (?)