ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to map-out a shift of emphasis in electoral geography from simply analysing the patterns of outcomes to combining an interest in those patterns with a concern for the regulation of electoral conduct. It then argues for a greater appreciation of the role of government agencies in regulating elections. The empirical focus of the chapter is the United States union representation election process, rather than partisan political elections. The chapter examines the union election process and discusses the literature of electoral geography. Based upon recent work on union elections, it draws out implications from the study of electoral regulation. To the extent that government regulation of the conduct of union representation elections affects the outcome of elections, such regulation directly affects the relative strength of organized labour in the US economy. Finally it presents the context of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) case law, and practicalities of the union representation election process.
