Parties and Politics: The Evolution of Election Administration

Abstract

Although the conduct of elections is on its face an administrative procedure, the rules that determine who has access and how citizens are able to access the franchise have been subject to political influence since the founding of the United States. Specifically focusing on election administration in the United States from the 2000 election forward, the author provides an overview of the ways in which contemporary political party understanding of elections and election administration shapes the experience and confidence citizens have when casting a ballot. The challenges this political environment creates for election administrators seeking to solve problems are also addressed.