Fact Check: American elections are managed by state and local officials.

Fact Check: "American elections are managed by state and local officials."

What We Know

Elections in the United States are primarily managed by state and local officials, reflecting a decentralized system of election administration. According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, the administration of elections is highly decentralized, with thousands of state and local systems responsible for election management rather than a single national entity. This structure allows for significant variation in how elections are conducted across different states and localities.

Each state has its own chief election official who oversees the administration of elections within that state, as highlighted by the National Association of Secretaries of State. Local election officials (LEOs) also play a crucial role, managing voter registration, ballot procedures, and voter education. They are often referred to as the "stewards of democracy" for their responsibilities in ensuring fair and accessible elections (MIT Election Lab).

Furthermore, the Congressional Research Service emphasizes that states and localities share responsibility for most election administration duties, which can vary significantly between and within states.

Analysis

The claim that "American elections are managed by state and local officials" is supported by multiple credible sources. The decentralized nature of election administration in the U.S. is well-documented. The Election Management Guidelines indicate that these guidelines are designed to assist state and local officials in effectively managing elections, underscoring their pivotal role in the electoral process.

The Congressional Research Service report further corroborates this by stating that the administration of elections is not uniform but rather distributed among various state and local systems. This decentralization allows for tailored approaches to election management that can address specific local needs and contexts.

While the federal government provides oversight and sets certain standards, the actual management of elections is firmly in the hands of state and local authorities. This is also reflected in the U.S. Election Assistance Commission's state election profiles, which detail the roles of various officials at the state and local levels.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "American elections are managed by state and local officials" is accurate. The decentralized structure of election administration in the United States means that state and local officials are primarily responsible for the management and execution of elections. This is supported by a variety of credible sources that detail the roles and responsibilities of these officials in the electoral process.

Sources

1. State and local elections - USAGov
2. Election Management Guidelines | U.S. Election Assistance Commission - EAC
3. The State and Local Role in Election Administration: Duties and Structures
4. PDF The State and Local Role in Election Administration: Duties and Structures
5. State Election Profiles | U.S. Election Assistance Commission
6. Who are Local Election Officials, and What do they Say about Elections ...
7. Who is in charge of elections in my state?
8. Election Administration at State and Local Levels