Skip to content
Every year on September 17th, we commemorate Constitution Day, a day dedicated to the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. While it's easy to view the Constitution as a historical document, it is, in fact, a living blueprint that continues to shape and guide our nation. As another Presidential election approaches, we at Vet the Vote took a look at how the Constitution plays a vital role in the standards and practices of U.S. elections.
Why Constitution Day Matters for Elections
Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the vital role the Constitution plays in shaping our democracy. It highlights the importance of understanding how our elections are governed and why they differ from state to state. As voters, it’s essential to recognize that these differences are not arbitrary but are rooted in the Constitution’s balance of state and federal powers.
Moreover, Constitution Day is an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing need to protect and strengthen our electoral system. As our nation evolves, so too must our approach to elections, always guided by the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
The Constitution as the Foundation of U.S. Elections
The U.S. Constitution lays the groundwork for our democratic process. It establishes the basic principles of governance, the separation of powers, and the framework for the federal government. When it comes to elections, the Constitution outlines the broad structure, leaving room for the states to fill in the details.
The Constitution gives Congress the authority to regulate the "Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives" (Article I, Section 4). However, it also allows states significant autonomy in determining how their elections are conducted. This balance of power between federal oversight and state control is a hallmark of the Constitution's design.
A few notable Constitutional Amendments:
- The 15th Amendment gave African American men the right to vote in 1870. But many weren't able to exercise this right. Some states used literacy tests and other barriers to make it harder to vote.
- The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, gave American women the right to vote.
- The 24th Amendment, ratified in 1964, eliminated poll taxes. The tax had been used in some states to keep African Americans from voting in federal elections.
- The 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971, lowered the voting age for all elections to 18.
Why Election Standards and Practices Vary by State
One of the most striking features of U.S. elections (and a frequent cause of misinformation about different state’s elections) is the variation in how they are conducted from state to state. This diversity is a direct result of the constitutional framework that allows states to have significant control over their election processes.
Each state has its unique political culture, population distribution, and historical context, which influence how it chooses to conduct elections. For example, some states offer extensive early voting periods, while others may limit early voting to specific conditions. Similarly, voter ID laws, mail-in voting procedures, and ballot design can vary widely across the country.
This state-level control is rooted in the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. The result is a patchwork of election laws and practices that reflect the diverse needs and values of each state’s population.
The Role of the Constitution in Ensuring Fair Elections
While states have considerable authority over how elections are conducted, the Constitution also provides safeguards to ensure that these elections are fair and accessible. The 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments prohibit discrimination in voting based on race, gender, failure to pay a poll tax, or age (for those 18 and older), respectively. These amendments reinforce the principle that all citizens should have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Additionally, the federal government, through legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, can intervene if state practices are found to be discriminatory or in violation of constitutional rights.
To celebrate Constitution Day this election year, we honor not only the document itself but also the dynamic and diverse electoral system it has created. By understanding and engaging with this system, we can continue to uphold the democratic ideals that the Constitution represents. And with the dedicated service of veterans and military families as poll workers, we ensure that these ideals are carried out with honor and dedication.