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Stephen Wolf
@stephenwolf.bsky.social

NEW: The 2026 elections in most states will decide which party runs elections heading into 2028 (see map). We detail how Democrats could hold or gain this power in 14 potentially competitive states—and form a bulwark against MAGA subverting the 2028 elections www.the-downballot.com/p/voters-can...

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clfulton.bsky.social
@clfulton.bsky.social

In Massachusetts the Secretary of State handles the election process, mail-in voting, etc. The municipalities figure out the polling locations and hours. Our Secretary of State was on the ballet.

Graig Mellon
@mellongraig.bsky.social

Hopefully that will also be enough to hold on to the Kansas governor race with Cindy Holscher on the ballot. It could be very important if Kansas Dems are able to break the GOP supermajority in the State House (lower chamber) this November.

Stephen Wolf
@stephenwolf.bsky.social

Most states directly elect a secretary of state who runs elections. In others, officials like governors or legislators appoint the secretary or an elections board. Several states use a hybrid where a secretary and board share powers, while a few elect a secretary of state who doesn’t run elections

Stephen Wolf
@stephenwolf.bsky.social

Democrats hold 4 states worth watching: Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nevada. Dems could flip 10 Republican-run states: Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Texas. Many of these may be presidential swing states or have key downballot races in 2028

Stephen Wolf@stephenwolf.bsky.social

NEW: The 2026 elections in most states will decide which party runs elections heading into 2028 (see map). We detail how Democrats could hold or gain this power in 14 potentially competitive states—and form a bulwark against MAGA subverting the 2028 elections www.the-downballot.com/p/voters-can...

Stephen Wolf
@stephenwolf.bsky.social

America holds the absurd distinction of using partisan elections to decide which party runs its elections—in most democracies, independent professional agencies fill this role. But until Congress or states pass reforms to change that, Dems winning these offices is key to preserving free elections

Stephen Wolf
@stephenwolf.bsky.social

Wisconsin is notable here: It had an independent election agency before Republicans replaced it with a bipartisan board prone to gridlock—letting them end an investigation into Gov. Scott Walker’s alleged campaign finance violations. Dems could reform that system if they gain full power next month

Stephen Wolf@stephenwolf.bsky.social

America holds the absurd distinction of using partisan elections to decide which party runs its elections—in most democracies, independent professional agencies fill this role. But until Congress or states pass reforms to change that, Dems winning these offices is key to preserving free elections