The main sources of federal law regarding the Electoral College are the United States Constitution and the United States Code:

Importantly, neither the Constitution nor federal law prescribes the method of appointing electors. The administration of presidential elections is largely left up to the states. Many states provide state laws related to elections and the Electoral College on the websites for their Secretary of State or the state election department. Researchers can find links to state-level executive branch agencies using the Library of Congress Guide to Law Online for U.S. States and Territories. For a review of state laws related to the administration of election, the following resources may also be helpful:

Case law is the body of law developed from judicial opinions or decisions over time. The process for contesting ballot counts and other issues related to the Electoral College sometimes culminates in litigation. Contested election lawsuits can take place in both state and federal courts, depending on the issue. A famous example of contested ballot count litigation is Bush v. Gore, 531 U.S. 98 (2000), a case which started in state court but ultimately was decided by the United States Supreme Court. A more recent example is Chiafalo v. Washington, 591 US _ (2020), in which the Supreme Court held unanimously that a State may enforce an elector’s pledge to support his party’s nominee—and the state voters’ choice—for President.

For general guidance on finding case law, researchers may want to consult the following Law Library of Congress research guides:

Researchers interested in court opinions pertaining to the Electoral College may find these resources helpful for starting their research: