This part of the Constitution is known as the “Elections Clause” and gives state legislatures control over the administration of their state’s congressional elections, including authority to determine voting processes and the date, time, and location of elections.
Article I, Section 4
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
This section also gives states the power to draw their own congressional districts. Though there are limits to district-drawing, the process has often led to “gerrymandering,” in which states intentionally draw congressional districts to favor one political party. Federal courts may evaluate and strike down a state’s congressional map when the lines drawn involve malapportionment (unequal population districts) or racial gerrymandering diminishing representation of blacks.
