AbstractThere are not many studies on subnational electoral bodies in Latin America, especially with a comparative approach. This article describes these bodies based on their main traits and presents the first hypotheses to explain their development or atrophy. It posits that the nations' geographic extension and the complexity of the different levels of government—federalism or significant levels of mid‐level autonomy—are associated with a greater degree of institutionalization, autonomy, and strength at the subnational electoral level, such that a smaller nation, or the absence of a mid‐level government, limits consolidation. The article uses a comparative approach.