All About Elections

Election Resources for You

Voter registration, ballots, deadlines, the Electoral College... there is so much to know about elections.

We invite you to review and utilize our many voter resources below.

How Are Secretaries of State Preparing Nationwide?

50 states are each in charge of their elections. Join the O'Connor Institute and National Association of Secretaries of State to learn how our nation's elections officers are preparing for the November 5th election.

Micro-Lesson: Elections and How They Work

Navigating the elections structure might seem daunting. To help you understand the multiple processes of our electoral system, take advantage of our free 5-10 minute civics micro-lessons.

Citizens Guide to the General Election

Our comprehensive guide features voter information for all 50 states, all in one place. How many electoral votes does each state receive? Which offices are up for election in each state? Find out this and more information.

Electoral College History

The Electoral College is a process, not a place. The Founding Fathers established it in the Constitution, in part, as a compromise between the election of the President by a vote in Congress and election of the President by a popular vote of qualified citizens.

Voter Information

A democracy’s success depends upon active participation by its citizens in civic activities, such as voting, volunteering in community groups, or helping with campaigns or issues. Find state-specific sites to register to vote, find your polling location, and identify your state legislature.

Why the Electoral College?

Since 1800 there have been more than 700 proposals introduced in Congress to amend the way in which America chooses its presidents. What is the role of the electoral college? Why do we have this system? Can it be changed -- should it be changed? -- and if so how?

Ranked Choice Voting

Do open primaries and ranked choice voting have the potential to improve American elections, or will they create more problems than they solve? Kevin Meyer, former lieutenant governor of Alaska; Steve Goldstein, Senior Fellow, Center for the Future of Arizona; and Jaime Molera, former Arizona superintendent of public instruction, join the O’Connor Institute to discuss.

The 12th Amendment

The 12th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1804, introduced significant changes to the process of electing the President and Vice President. Prior to this amendment, the original process, as outlined in Article II, Section 1, Clause 3 of the Constitution, often led to confusion and political conflict.

The Electoral College Compromise

The U.S. Constitution is the second government formed after The Articles of Confederation failed to meet the nation's changing needs. The Constitution was written in 116 days at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1787.

Poll Worker Recruitment Day

August 1 is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day! We encourage you to learn more about how you can serve your community as a poll worker at HelpAmericaVote.org.

Are you looking for more information on voting and civic engagement? Check out our resources.