Democrats Maintain the Edge in Secretary of State Races

[brooklynite]

Governing:

The battle to control the nation's secretary of state offices is nearing its climax, and the Democrats -- already presented with a more favorable playing field in open seats -- have incrementally improved their position in recent months.

Since our last round of handicapping in June, we have shifted our ratings in seven races -- six in the Democrats' direction and one in the Republicans'. To prevent Democratic gains, the Republicans will have to ride grassroots enthusiasm, such as what emerged over Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court.

Currently, Republicans hold 29 secretary of state offices to the Democrats' 17. Our tally doesn't count Pennsylvania's nonpartisan office or the three states that lack the position altogether -- Alaska, Hawaii and Utah. Of the 35 states where voters elect the secretary of state, 27 have contests this fall, including a special election in Louisiana, which we are rating here for the first time.

As the party with the most offices nationally, the Republicans have more seats at risk. They will have to defend a total of eight open seats -- in Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio and South Dakota. By contrast, the Democrats won't have to defend a single open seat.

[muntrv]

1. GOTV.

[greymattermom]

2. The secretary of state determines the congressional district boundaries?

Or the party in control of the state legislature? If enough of those change, will the Democrats gerrymander the districts after the 2020 census? I'd like to see that. It must be legal, right?

[brooklynite]

3. Depends on the State..

More importantly, the SOS oversees elections.

[RhodeIslandOne]

4. This is more about voting rights

No purging, eliminating arbitrary restrictions, voter education, more polling places, early voting, etc.