statewide

Statewide is an adjective and adverb used to describe something that covers, applies to, or is organized across an entire state. In political and administrative contexts, statewide programs, elections, and agencies operate beyond city or county boundaries to reach all residents within a state. A statewide ballot measure is designed to apply uniformly across the state rather than in a single locale, and a statewide office or agency is responsible for statewide policies and services.

The term originates from pairing state with wide, emphasizing breadth across the political unit that is a state. It is commonly used in the United States, where states have their own laws and programs, but it also appears in other federations with subnational political divisions.

Common constructions include statewide election, statewide initiative, statewide education program, statewide emergency alert, and statewide tax or regulatory reforms. The concept implies coordination across multiple counties, districts, and institutions, though actual implementation may vary by locality.

Statewide is often contrasted with local, county, or citywide terms. While statewide measures are intended to be uniform, local authorities may adapt enforcement, funding, or administration to fit regional conditions. In journalism and public discourse, statewide describes actions or conditions that affect the entire state rather than a subset of its territory.

In sum, statewide denotes breadth and uniform applicability across an entire state, constituting a standard descriptor in governance, policy, and public affairs.