
Who Runs U.S. Elections? Federal, State and Local Roles
Local administration, state rules and federal authority do different jobs. The distinction matters before assessing any claim about election control.

Local administration, state rules and federal authority do different jobs. The distinction matters before assessing any claim about election control.

Two ways to pick a nominee, two very different electorates — and the difference shapes who runs, who wins, and who shows up.

Every ruling, objection, and verdict rests on one person keeping up with the room.

A 2018 recommendation to write down the rules stayed unresolved. Now it sits on a top-three priority list.

Most readers stop at the headline number. The three checks below take two minutes and catch most of what polls hide.

Three entry routes into government, think tanks, and advocacy research — and what each one actually asks of you.

Resolution 11/7 gives UNODC, International IDEA and IFES an agreed framework — and a 2026 work plan to test it.