American elections are national in consequence but highly decentralized in administration, with rules shaped by federal, state, and local law.
Who runs elections?
States set many rules and local jurisdictions conduct most election operations. Federal law protects voting rights, regulates aspects of federal elections, sets a common federal election day, and governs campaign finance in federal contests.
The election cycle
Parties and voters select nominees through primaries and caucuses. General elections determine most officeholders directly. Presidents are chosen through the Electoral College: voters select slates of electors allocated by state, and Congress counts electoral votes.
Congressional elections
Every House seat is contested every two years. Senate elections are staggered so roughly one-third of seats are contested in each regular cycle. Vacancies are handled differently in the two chambers and under state law.
A practical voter checklist
Check registration, identification rules, polling place, early-voting dates, mail-ballot deadlines, and a sample ballot through your state or local election authority. For authoritative instructions, use official election websites rather than social-media posts.