There is no single national election administrator. Each state has a chief election official, while elections are usually run locally. Election-night totals are unofficial; canvass and certification are performed by the officials or boards state law assigns.
Legislatures write election law; state and local officials administer it; canvass and certification follow a state-specific legal chain.
Each institution has a different verb. Writing a rule, funding it, applying it, administering a service, and reviewing a dispute are not the same power.
Enacts election laws governing registration, ballots, administration, canvass, audits, recounts, contests, and certification.
Has the statewide oversight or advisory role defined by state law and publishes official statewide voter information.
Maintains voter records, prepares ballots and equipment, recruits poll workers, administers voting, and reports results as assigned.
Canvasses and certifies the result at the stage and level state law assigns.
Resolve election contests and legal challenges within their jurisdiction and procedural deadlines.
The United States has more than 10,000 election jurisdictions. States use secretaries of state, boards, commissions, counties, cities, townships, clerks, auditors, registrars, and other structures in different combinations.
