Overview
The United States election system is unique globally due to its decentralized structure. The Constitution gives primary authority over elections to the states, with supplementary authority to Congress. Local jurisdictions handle day-to-day operations like managing polling places and poll workers, creating a patchwork of over 10,000 election jurisdictions nationwide.
The balance between federal standards and control at the state and local level has evolved over time in response to changing circumstances and emerging challenges. As threats to our democratic institutions increase, maintaining this delicate balance is essential. This brief explains the constitutional framework for elections, explores the roles of state and federal authorities, and explains how recent broad assertions of presidential power risk destabilizing our democracy.
>> Click through the embedded brief below to read more, or download a PDF version here.Additional Resources
To view a static PDF version of this brief, click
here or below.
[PDF] "Democracy 101: Understanding Federal vs. State Control Over Elections" Read the Brief Democracy Map: State Legislature Interference in Elections View Map "Democracy 101: Understanding Voter ID Laws" Read More "Democracy 101: Understanding Proof of Citizenship Requirements for Voter Registration" Read the brief "Democracy 101: Understanding State Voting Rights Acts" Read more
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