The vast majority of election administration in the United States happens at the county or local level. Approximately 8,000 election jurisdictions are responsible for the hands-on work of running elections — from voter registration to ballot counting.
In most of the U.S., counties are the primary election administration unit. However, in New England states, cities and towns run elections. The office title varies widely by state — but the core responsibilities are largely the same everywhere.
| Title | Common In |
|---|---|
| County Clerk | Midwest and West — California, Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, and many others |
| Supervisor of Elections | Florida (one elected official per each of 67 counties) |
| Board of Elections Director | Ohio, New York, North Carolina — run by a bipartisan county board |
| Registrar of Voters | Some California counties, Nevada |
| City / Town Clerk | New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island) |
| County Auditor | Iowa, South Dakota |
Precincts are the smallest geographic unit of election administration. Each precinct has a physical polling place on election day, staffed by poll workers (also called election judges or precinct officials). Precincts are drawn by counties to group voters by geography, typically containing 500–1,500 registered voters.
The principal administrative officer at the polling place. Oversees all operations, resolves problems, and certifies results at close of polls.
Verifies voter identity against the poll book and assists with ballot issuance. Most states require bipartisan teams of judges (equal D and R).
Issues ballots, directs voters, assists with equipment, and handles paperwork. The front-line volunteer workforce of American democracy.
An authorized observer representing a political party or candidate. May watch, but has no authority to interact with or challenge voters directly.
Processes voters whose eligibility cannot be immediately confirmed. Issues a provisional ballot that is later verified by the county.
Assists voters with disabilities in accessing the polling place and using accessible voting equipment (required under HAVA and ADA).