When it comes to fighting illegal intrusions into American elections, the states and localities are where the rubber meets the road—that is where American elections are administered. This authority is grounded in more than tradition; it derives from Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution. That section notes that while Congress has the authority to intervene in the setting of elections, election administration is largely a function of state and local government.
Given this situation, election law and practice vary considerably from state to state, which leads to a number of ramifications. CONT.
Elaine Kamarck, Brookings Institution