Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Boundary delimitation is conducted in each of by the state legislatures and/or redistricting commissions (advisory committees).
Source: United States Census Bureau ;
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):
https://www.ncsl.org/research/redistricting/redistricting-criteria.aspx
Verified: 2024/09/30
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Comments: Boundaries for congressional districts are drawn on criteria of "as equal in population as practicable."
Nondiscrimination on the basis of race must also be considered.
Beyond these, states develop their own criterion.
Source: U.S. Constitution Art. 1, Sect. 2 (Apportionment Clause):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view ;
1965 Voting Rights Act, Sect. 2:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-voting-rights-act-1965/view ;
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):
https://www.ncsl.org/research/redistricting/redistricting-criteria.aspx
Verified: 2024/09/30
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) b . Legislature (2nd chamber) d . Boundary Commission f . A government department or agency g . Other
Comments: Redistricting bodies vary across the United States; in some cases, the State Legislature is in charge of redistricting, in others a split partisan group or a paid external commission. In several states, the entire state comprises a single constituency.
Source: Cook Political Report, 2012:
http://cookpolitical.com/node/10516/ ;
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):
https://www.ncsl.org/research/redistricting/redistricting-criteria.aspx
Verified: 2024/10/15
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government d . Indirectly elected by legislature e . Elected by electoral college or committee
Comments: The President is not elected directly by citizens, they are chosen by electors through a process called the "Electoral College." The Electoral College is not always required to elect the same candidate who won the popular vote in any state. A candidates must win over half of the electors (at least 270) to win.
If no candidate wins 270 electoral votes, the House of Representatives chooses the president among the top three candidates; the Senate then chooses the vice president from the remaining two candidates. When choosing the president in the House of Representatives, each state gets a single vote.
Source: Article II, Section 1, United States Constitution ;
National Archives: Electoral College:
https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/faq#no270 ;
https://www.usa.gov/election
Verified: 2024/09/30
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments: The President (Executive) is the Head of State and Head of Government.
Source: U.S. Constitution, Art. II:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/09/30
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Article II, Section 1, United States Constitution
Verified: 2024/09/30
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Senate (upper) and the House of Representatives (lower).
Source: U.S. Constitution, Art. I:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view ;
https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government
Verified: 2024/09/30
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP) b . Alternative Vote c . Block Vote
Comments: Senators serve six-year terms, one/third of seats are up for election every two years (coincide with mid-term elections and general elections). As of 1913, Senators are directly elected by popular vote.
Each state can choose how to structure the electoral system.
Source: U.S. Constitution, Amendment 17:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view ;
https://www.usa.gov/midterm-state-and-local-elections ;
National Conference of State Legislatures:
https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/the-rise-of-ranked-choice-voting.aspx ;
https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/ranked-choice-voting.aspx ;
Verified: 2024/09/30
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: U.S. Constitution:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript
U.S. Federal Elections Code:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-federal-elections-code/view ;
U.S. Federal Electoral Campaign Laws:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-federal-electoral/view ;
1965 Voting Rights Act:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-voting-rights-act-1965/view
Verified: 2024/10/21
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: Section 4: "The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of Chusing Senators."
Source: United States Constitution Article I, Section 4, Clause I:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/10/21
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: The United States Constitution says that voting is a right and a privilege.
Source: U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view ;
https://www.usa.gov/voting-laws
Verified: 2024/10/01
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB d . Other
Comments: The Federal Election Commission was established by Congress in 1877 to investigate disputed Electoral College ballots. Electoral disputes can be tried in courts.
Source: https://www.fec.gov ;
https://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Electoral-College/ ;
Verified: 2024/10/01
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: The Federal Election Commission administers campaign finance laws.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission is charged with developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, maintaining the national mail voter registration form developed in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration.
State and local elections are run by the State governments.
Source: The Federal Election Commission online (www.fec.gov) ;
https://www.eac.gov/about-the-useac
Verified: 2024/10/21
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
a . The President c . The legislature
Comments: The FEC submits its budget to the President (Office of Management and Budget (OMB)) and Congress simultaneously, pursuant to a provision in the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission submits its budget to Congress.
Source: https://www.fec.gov/about/reports-about-fec/strategy-budget-and-performance/ ;
https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/28/EACFY2021CBJ.pdf ;
https://www.eac.gov/about-eac/budget-and-finance
Verified: 2024/10/21
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
a . The President c . The legislature
Comments: FEC Congressional Budget Justifications are sent to the President’s Office of Management and Budget as well as Congress.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission sends annual reports to Congress.
Source: Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ;
https://www.eac.gov/about-the-useac
Verified: 2024/10/21
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: "[FEC] Commissioners serve in staggered six-year terms; two seats are subject to appointment every two years. The Chair of the Commission changes every year, with no member serving more than once per term."
U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner "members shall serve for a term of 4 years and may be reappointed for not more than one additional term."
Source: https://www.fec.gov/about/leadership-and-structure/ ;
Help America Vote Act of 2002 Sec. 203:
https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/6/HAVA41.PDF
Verified: 2024/10/21
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: "The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is the independent regulatory agency charged with administering and enforcing the federal campaign finance law."
The "EAC is an independent, bipartisan commission."
Source: https://www.fec.gov/about/mission-and-history/ ;
https://www.eac.gov/about-the-useac
Verified: 2024/10/21
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: There are six commissioners on the FEC. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has 4 commissioners.
The Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives used to serve as ex officio members on the FEC, but they have not served on the commission since 1993 when an appeals court ruled that their presence on the commission was unconstitutional.
Source: https://www.fec.gov/about/leadership-and-structure/
https://www.eac.gov/about_the_eac/commissioners.aspx
Verified: 2024/10/21
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: FEC members shall be chosen on the basis of their experience, integrity, impartiality, and good judgment. Also, by law, no more than three Commissioners can represent the same political party, and at least four votes are required for any official Commission action.
"Each member of the [U.S. Election Assistance] Commission shall have experience with or expertise in election administra- tion or the study of elections."
Source: Federal Election Campaign Laws, Art. 437(c)(A3):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-federal-electoral/view ;
https://www.fec.gov/about/leadership-and-structure/ ;
Help America Vote Act of 2002 Sec. 203:
https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/6/HAVA41.PDF
Verified: 2024/10/01
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government c . Executive e . Legislature
Comments: FEC commissioners are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
U.S. Election Assistance Commission members are appointed by the president and approved by the Senate. The Help America Vote Act also recommends that the president hear advice from majority and minority leadership from both chambers of Congress.
The President is the Executive, the Head of State, and the Head of Government.
Source: https://www.fec.gov/about/leadership-and-structure/ ;
https://www.eac.gov/about_the_eac/commissioners.aspx ;
Help America Vote Act of 2002 Sec. 203:
https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/6/HAVA41.PDF
Verified: 2024/10/21
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies d . National Government e . Regional Governments f . Local Governments g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media j . Religious Institutions k . Other
Comments: "In the United States of America, voter education and mobilization is carried out by a variety of entities including state level election authorities, media outlets (for example MTV's Rock the Vote campaign), and a host of civil society organisations, special interest groups, professional associations and unions (including the AFL-CIO), and political parties. Some of these may be considered political or advocacy organizations rather than nonpartisan voter educators, but others have a proud history of registering and educating voters and of 'getting out the vote.'"
Source: https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/ve/onePage
Verified: 2024/10/15
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: Voter education campaigns are conducted continuously, but more pronounced in the months prior to general and midterm elections.
Source:
Verified: 2024/10/14
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body c . Yes, conducted by the Regional Electoral Management Bodies d . Yes, conducted by the Local/County Electoral Management Bodies e . Yes, conducted by the Government f . Yes, conducted by the Regional Governments g . Yes, conducted by the Local Governments h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations i . Yes, conducted by Political Parties/ Candidates j . Yes, conducted by the Media k . Yes, conducted by Religious Institutions
Comments: The U.S. Election Assistance Commission provides official resources to voters and election officials for national elections. Other bodies, governments, organizations, and institutions conduct their own voter education campaigns as well.
Source: https://www.eac.gov
Verified: 2024/10/14
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: "The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."
Source: U.S. Constitution, Amendment 26:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/10/15
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: To vote: you must be 18 years or older on Election Day, be a U.S. citizen, meet your state's residency requirements, and register by your state's registration deadline.
North Dakota is the only state that does not require voter registration.
Source: https://www.usa.gov/who-can-vote
Verified: 2024/10/15
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
b . Regional Government Authority
Comments: An Amendment in the Help America Vote Act transferred the responsibilities of voter registration oversight in the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 from the FEC to the U.S. EAC.
Each state registers its voters and keeps its own voter rolls.
Source: https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-registration.aspx
https://www.eac.gov/about/help_america_vote_act.aspx
Verified: 2024/10/15
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: "According to the U.S. Constitution, voting is a right and a privilege."
Source: https://www.usa.gov/voting-laws
Verified: 2024/10/15
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: National and state party committees must register with the FEC once they make contributions or expenditures in connection with federal elections that exceed $1,000 in a calendar year.
Ballot access for political parties is governed by state laws.
Source: Federal Electoral Commission (http://fec.gov/ans/answers_party.shtml) ;
https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/registering-political-party/qualifying-political-party/
Verified: 2024/10/15
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: To be a Senator, you must be at least 30 years old, be a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and be a resident of the state you wish to represent at the time of the election.
Source: United States Constitution:
https://www.senate.gov/senators/qualifications_termsofservice.htm
Verified: 2024/10/15
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Federal Election Commission (www.fec.gov)
Verified: 2024/10/15
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: "Under the presidential public funding program, eligible presidential candidates receive federal government funds to pay for the qualified expenses of their political campaigns in both the primary and general elections." This public funding can be used to "match the first $250 of each contribution from individuals that an eligible presidential candidate receives during the primary campaign and fund the major party nominees' general election campaigns (and assist eligible minor party nominees)."
In 2014, enacted legislation ended the public funding of conventions.
Source: https://www.fec.gov/introduction-campaign-finance/understanding-ways-support-federal-candidates/presidential-elections/public-funding-presidential-elections/
Verified: 2024/10/15
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: To receive primary matching funds, presidential candidates must seek nomination from a party and raise more than $5,000 in at least 20 states from at least 20 contributors in each state. Presidential candidates must also limit campaign spending for all primary elections combined to $10 million plus a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA); limit campaign spending in each state to $200,000 plus COLA, or to a specified amount based on the number of voting age individuals in the state (plus COLA), whichever is greater; and limit spending from personal funds to $50,000. To qualify for primary matching funds, contributions must be deposited in the campaign account by December 31 of the election year. Eligible candidates may receive public funds equaling up to half of the national spending limit for the primary campaign.
For general elections, "to be eligible to receive public funds, the presidential nominee of a major party must agree to limit spending to the amount of the grant and may not accept private contributions for the campaign. Candidates may spend an additional $50,000 from their own personal funds, which does not count against the expenditure limit."
Once eligibility is established, the U.S. Treasury makes payments using the funds from the $3 tax checkoff.
Source: https://www.fec.gov/introduction-campaign-finance/understanding-ways-support-federal-candidates/presidential-elections/public-funding-presidential-elections/
Verified: 2024/10/15
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political parties are able to receive private funding from certain specified sources.
Source: FEC: Who can and can't contribute:
https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/candidate-taking-receipts/who-can-and-cant-contribute/
Verified: 2024/10/15
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Each state has its own specific requirements. Mail-in and early-voting ballots may be counted separately, depending on the state.
Votes cast at precinct polling places are first counted at the precincts after the close of polls.
Election officials perform verification at the central location to ensure that vote counting and vote consolidation equipment and software function properly before and after an election.
Source: Voting System Standards, Vol. 1, Sec. 2.3.5, 2.5.1:
https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/28/Voting_System_Standards_Volume_I.pdf
Verified: 2024/10/15
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: "Each State, however, has specific laws for conducting recounts, but a recount generally is initiated either automatically or by an individual or group of individuals with standing. Some States require an automatic recount when the margin
of victory reflected by the canvass of votes falls within a predetermined percentage, such as 0.5
or 1 percent of the vote. A candidate or group of voters may also initiate a recount, as allowed by State law. These types of recounts usually require the initiator to pay the cost of the recount if the outcome is unchanged at the end of the process."
Source: https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/6/EMG_chapt_15_august_26_2010.pdf
Verified: 2024/10/15
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: Free advertising/broadcasting opportunities may be given to candidates, but it is not guaranteed. The FCC Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations Section 73 says that candidates must be provided with the same low rates and better discounts as the station awards its "most favored commercial advertisers for the same classes and amounts of time for the same periods."
Source: FCC Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations Section 73
https://www.fcc.gov/media/policy/statutes-and-rules-candidate-appearances-advertising
Verified: 2020/10/21
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD):
https://www.debates.org/about-cpd/
Verified: 2020/10/21
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Citizens United v FEC No.08-205 558 U.S. 310 (2010) ;
https://www.fcc.gov/media/policy/statutes-and-rules-candidate-appearances-advertising
Verified: 2020/10/21
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: "Only a national party committee has a coordinated party spending limit for the party’s presidential nominee. Other party committees may spend against this limit if they have the national committee’s prior written authorization (which must include the amount that may be spent)."
Limits change each year and reflect the previous year's voting age population (VAP) and COLA (5.18508).
Source: https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/making-disbursements-political-party/coordinated-party-expenditures/ ;
https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/making-disbursements-political-party/coordinated-party-expenditures/coordinated-party-expenditure-limits/ ;
Verified: 2020/10/21
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Some states and D.C. have provisions for direct democracy, but there is no such provision at the national level.
Source: https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/initiative-and-referendum-processes
Verified: 2024/10/15
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national referendums.
Source: U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/10/15
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national referendums.
Source: U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/10/15
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national citizens' initiatives.
Source: U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2020/10/21
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national citizens' initiatives.
Source: U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/10/15
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national recalls.
Source: U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/10/15
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national referendums.
Source: U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/10/15
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national referendums.
Source: U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
Verified: 2024/10/15
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Some states have provisions for direct democracy at the state-level.
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Forms_of_direct_democracy_in_the_American_states
Verified: 2020/10/21
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations f . By mail
Comments: Each state is in charge of administering elections and election laws within their borders. Voting in-person generally happens during an early-voting period at specially designated locations in some states or at precincts on Election Day. States also have legislation and directives over voting by-mail.
Source: https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state
Verified: 2024/10/15
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff
Comments: Most U.S. citizens 18 years or older who reside outside the United States are eligible to vote absentee for federal office candidates in U.S. primary and general elections. In addition, some states allow overseas citizens to vote for state and local office candidates and referendums. For information about your state, see the Voting Assistance Guide.
In some states, U.S. citizens who are 18 years or older and were born abroad but who have never resided in the United States are eligible to vote absentee. Direct your questions about eligibility to local election officials.
Source: Federal Voting Assistance Program, http://www.fvap.gov
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 1986
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/voting.html
Verified: 2024/10/15
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
e . By mail
Comments: Electors choosing to vote from abroad can cast absentee ballots by-mail.
Source: Federal Voting Assistance Program, http://www.fvap.gov
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/voting.html
Verified: 2024/10/15
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots b . Mechanical voting machine c . Punch card d . Electronic voting machine f . Internet g . Other
Comments: Other: returned via fax
Source: The Voting Rights Act of 1965, Section 12(b)
Voting Systems Performance and Test Standards, Federal Electoral Commission
https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/internet-voting.aspx
https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/absentee-and-early-voting.aspx
Verified: 2024/10/15
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