answersLogoWhite

0

We have to go way back to the beginning of our country for this answer.

Back when the US was young, the federal government was constructed primarily to do business with other countries, most of which were monarchies. The US is a constitutional republic, meaning that people are supposed to have a voice in the operation of the country...a radical idea at our country's founding.

The operation of various areas (states) were a local government affair and the federal government was not designed to oversee such a huge domain. Therefore, the states decided what laws they needed to enact in order to run their particular area properly. In some states, it seemed right and proper to not conduct business on Sunday. In other states, alcohol sales were rigidly regulated. The federal government really has no reason to take up such issues as it does not affect all of the country.

In such a manner, states decided when and how to vote. It is still a matter of local opinion. However, most voting regulations have come to be standardized with little variation due to our instantaneous communications today. But back when the nation was young, voting could (and often did) take place over the course of several weeks, with the results being collected nationally months later. Transportation was slow and tedious, the mail equally slow, so local governments literally needed to decide issues within the community. As a byproduct, the College of Electors was made to make the will of the people known.

Today we are used to seeing results almost instantly, but as late at 1976, it was several days before all the votes were made public. As a very young child, I remember that mail from California to Tennessee took two weeks! It was only a week for Air Mail, meaning that it was not sent via train, but on a plane. Today, we have virtual mail, instant communication, and many other marvels. But in the beginning, the states (and local government) were the only government that people really knew.

So short version, states reserve to themselves the right to govern locally, which means they get to decide voting laws...within federal limits.

User Avatar

Tomasa Okuneva

Lvl 12
3y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Which levels of government make most election laws in the USexplain why?

In the United States, most election laws are made at the state level. This is because the U.S. Constitution grants states the authority to regulate the administration of elections within their borders, allowing them to set rules regarding voter registration, polling places, and ballot design. Additionally, state governments can tailor their election laws to meet the specific needs and preferences of their populations, leading to significant variations across the country. Federal laws, such as the Voting Rights Act, set certain standards but largely defer to state control over election administration.


Why are most election laws in this country are written at the state level?

Most election laws in the United States are written at the state level due to the Constitution's delegation of authority to states to regulate their own elections. This allows states to tailor their election processes to meet local needs and preferences, reflecting the diverse political and cultural landscapes across the country. Additionally, state control over elections promotes experimentation with different voting methods and procedures, which can lead to innovations in electoral practices. However, this state-level authority can also result in significant variations in election laws and access to voting across the nation.


What did many states add to their voting procedures following the 2000 election?

Several states passed laws that would award all of their electoral votes to the candidate nationally getting the most popular votes.


Can felons vote in the upcoming election?

In most states, felons can vote in the upcoming election after completing their sentence, including probation or parole. However, the rules vary by state, so it's important to check the specific laws in your area.


Do most states use primary election or caucus?

primary election, got this from my text book!


What group creates laws about money and federal election?

Most likely you would think the government would create these laws. But from what I know and was taught, the Federal Election Commission does. I hope this helps!


Which country has the most laws?

The United States of America has the most laws and the most prisoners in the world.


What loopholes exist in the current federal election laws?

While it is impossible to allow for every possibility, loopholes exist in most laws. One loophole that exists in federal election laws is contributors can bundle donations and keep officials in the dark.


Most election districts in the United States are?

single member districts


If you are not the beneficiary of your husbands estate will you lose everything?

Not necessarily. You should consult with an attorney. In most states in the United States a spouse cannot be disinherited. The various state laws provide a spouse with the right to take a statutory portion of the estate by "election". That portion is often the same portion the spouse would receive under the laws of intestacy. "Election" is a simple procedure that usually requires only that the spouse file a claim with the court.


Can states enforce other states registration laws?

Negative,A state can only legally enforce its own state laws. Most states have similar registration laws though.


Can a husband will all his assets to his and his wife's children instead of his wife?

You need to check the laws in your particular jurisdictions. In most states in the US (except Louisiana) a person cannot disinherit their spouse. States follow a legal principal known as spousal election that gives a surviving spouse the share they would receive if there was no will. The surviving spouse need only file a claim in the court where the estate is probated. That share is set forth in the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws of intestacy at the related question link.You need to check the laws in your particular jurisdictions. In most states in the US (except Louisiana) a person cannot disinherit their spouse. States follow a legal principal known as spousal election that gives a surviving spouse the share they would receive if there was no will. The surviving spouse need only file a claim in the court where the estate is probated. That share is set forth in the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws of intestacy at the related question link.You need to check the laws in your particular jurisdictions. In most states in the US (except Louisiana) a person cannot disinherit their spouse. States follow a legal principal known as spousal election that gives a surviving spouse the share they would receive if there was no will. The surviving spouse need only file a claim in the court where the estate is probated. That share is set forth in the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws of intestacy at the related question link.You need to check the laws in your particular jurisdictions. In most states in the US (except Louisiana) a person cannot disinherit their spouse. States follow a legal principal known as spousal election that gives a surviving spouse the share they would receive if there was no will. The surviving spouse need only file a claim in the court where the estate is probated. That share is set forth in the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws of intestacy at the related question link.