President Donald Trump’s call for Republicans to “nationalize” voting rules has revived a long-running constitutional debate over how much influence the federal government should have in US elections.
Under the Constitution, states play the central role in running elections, drawing district lines, setting registration rules and managing polling places. Congress has some ability to intervene, but presidents acting alone have little direct authority.
Trump’s remarks — which come as his administration seeks broader access to state voter data — have prompted concerns that he is seeking a means to interfere in electoral outcomes or a pretext to cast doubt ...
