Who Runs Our Elections — and Why It Matters
In recent days, there’s been renewed national attention on how elections are run, following public comments about “nationalizing” the voting process. In the United States, elections are run locally — by states, counties, and communities — not by one person or one federal office. That’s not a loophole. It’s a safeguard.
Local control means elections are administered by officials who know their communities, follow transparent rules, and are accountable to voters. It helps prevent abuse of power, protects voters’ rights, and ensures no single political figure can control outcomes nationwide.
This system wasn’t designed for convenience. It was designed for trust.
States set voting procedures, local officials manage polling places and ballots, and courts step in when laws are broken. The federal government has an important role in protecting civil rights and enforcing voting laws — but it does not run elections.
Why does this matter now? Because when people hear calls to “take over” or “nationalize” voting, it raises real questions about accountability, fairness, and constitutional limits. History shows that democracy is strongest when power is distributed, not centralized.
Protecting local elections isn’t about party. It’s about preserving a system that allows every eligible voter to participate freely, safely, and confidently — regardless of who is in office.
Voting is power. And that power is strongest when it stays close to the people.
Did you know elections are run locally? What questions do you have about how voting works in your community?
Learn more about election administration
How elections are administered at the state and local level — roles, officials, and procedures. Election Administration at State and Local Levels (National Conference of State Legislatures)
Each state’s chief election official and how local election administration works. Who Is in Charge of Elections in My State (EAC)
Election officials at the county level supervise voter registration, polling places, and ballot counting. All Elections Are Local: The County Role in Election Administration (NACo)
The president has no constitutional authority to run elections — states and locals do. States, Not the President, Run Elections in America (State Court Report)