Short Answer
Reserved powers grant authority to state governments to regulate elections, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment, which retains powers not given to the federal government. Each state can legislate its own election laws, provided they comply with federal standards to ensure fairness and constitutional rights.
Step 1: Understand Reserved Powers
Reserved powers are those constitutional powers specifically not delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states, granting authority primarily to state governments. These powers allow states to govern themselves in specific areas, including election regulation. As per the Tenth Amendment, powers not mentioned in the Constitution fall into the hands of states or the people.
Step 2: Role of the Tenth Amendment
The Tenth Amendment is crucial as it delineates the scope of reserved powers. It asserts that any power not expressly given to the federal government is retained by the states or the people. This means states can create and legislate laws related to elections, reinforcing their sovereignty in electoral matters independent of federal oversight.
Step 3: State Authority in Elections
Each state has the authority to legislate its own election laws within the framework of the Constitution. While states can set their rules, they must conform to overarching federal standards designed to uphold fairness and constitutional rights in the electoral process. This balance ensures that elections are both state-regulated and federally compliant.