Elections in America: A Reference Handbook

Elections in America provides a thorough and objective explanation of American elections at the local, state, and national levels. It discusses laws and practices that govern elections, the history of elections and voting rights, and contemporary voting controversies.

Elections in America is an all-in-one resource for understanding the many facets of elections and voting trends since the United States came into being. It explains how, when, and why the franchise expanded in fits and starts after America’s founding and the various controversies over voting rights and vote counting that swirl around elections today. It reviews the major landmark court decisions that have impacted electoral politics, discusses how America’s two-party system has shaped elections, and provides information on major organizations, groups, and people battling over voting rights and election laws.

In addition, this resource provides a suite of original essays from election scholars on different aspects of U.S. electoral politics, as well as a carefully curated selection of primary documents illuminating important developments in American election history. The book also contains a comprehensive annotated list of academic resources to guide the reader towards further research on topics of interest.

Provides clear overviews of how local, state, and federal elections work in the United States

Includes coverage of present-day voting controversies and challenges related to voting rights, voter fraud, and election results

Details important laws and court decisions that have expanded or reduced access to the ballot box in American history

Presents a range of perspectives on voting issues, practices, and laws