How ’26 Secretary of State Elections Could Change Election Oversight and Administration

On this episode: Louis Jacobson, senior columnist for Sabato’s Crystal Ball, explains why the 2026 secretary of state elections could be among the most important contests of the cycle. In most states, secretaries of state oversee elections, giving them direct influence over how voting is administered and results are certified. With 26 seats on the ballot—including key battlegrounds such as Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Georgia—these races could shape the rules and practices of future elections. Jacobson outlines how responsibilities differ from state to state, why the offices have drawn more national attention in recent years, and previews the forthcoming 2026 edition of the Almanac of American Politics, a comprehensive resource on American government and elections.Read Jacobson’s overview of the races: https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/previewing-the-2026-secretary-of-state-races/ Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.