State Secretaries of State : Guardians of the Democratic Process

Through legal analysis, case studies, empirical evidence, and interviews with current officeholders, State Secretaries of State reveals how a state''s chief election administrator plays a pivotal role in administering elections and ensuring that accuracy and access are promoted, enforced, and attained. The book provides the first in-depth study of the history of the position and the Secretary''s role in registering voters, enforcing voting laws, overseeing elections, and certifying results.

Nearly a decade after the 2000 Presidential elections invited a firestorm of questions about the sanctity of our democratic process, there continues to be a heightened interest in the role of state-wide elections officials, typically the state''s Secretary of State - this book looks into their pivotal role in the promotion of a healthy democracy. Much past interest has resulted in overly critical coverage of election errors, ignoring the tireless efforts that ensure the American citizens benefit from a democratic, inclusive and accountable election process. Through a series of case studies, anecdotes, and interviews with current and recent secretaries, State Secretaries of State author Jocelyn Benson readdresses this balance by providing the first in-depth study of the Secretary''s role in registering voters, enforcing voting laws and regulations, overseeing elections, and certifying results. As such, it represents a much-needed contribution to the study of US elections, both in practice and in law.