Unseen Power: The Chief Election Official

What if a chief election official wrongfully denies the franchise to thousands of felons when the law very clearly entitles them to vote? Or even blatantly ignores new legislation expanding voting rights simply because they disagree with the law? In his NYU Law Review article, “Unilateral Election Administration,” Professor John Martin of Quinnipiac University School of Law explores the oversight measures to hold chief election officials accountable. Martin notes that these officials wield immense power, enjoying unilateral authority to render decisions affecting voter registration, voting equipment, ballot access, election certification, and official training. But what happens when that power is misused or abused? Law & Democracy co-hosts sit down with Martin to discuss this critical article during a time when the election law arena is increasingly volatile. The conversation paints a comprehensive picture, from explaining the role of a chief election official to assessing the different modes of accountability available to check their power. Recorded on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. #electionlaw #power #democracy