Political Dictionary
A general election is the contest in which voters choose among nominees and other qualified candidates for public office.
Definition
A general election is the final scheduled election for an office after any nominating contests have been completed. It typically includes party nominees, independent candidates, and sometimes write-in candidates. In the United States, general elections for federal offices are held in November, while state and local general elections may follow different calendars.
Why It Matters
The general election determines who will actually hold office. It is the stage at which the broad electorate, rather than only party-primary participants, selects among the available candidates.
How It Works
Candidates qualify through party primaries, conventions, petitions, or independent filing procedures. Voters then choose among candidates on the general-election ballot. Depending on the jurisdiction, the winner may need a plurality, a majority, or success in a later runoff.
History
General elections became more structured as political parties, printed ballots, and state election laws developed in the nineteenth century. The adoption of the secret ballot and standardized election dates strengthened the distinction between nominations and final elections.
Example
A Democratic nominee, Republican nominee, Libertarian nominee, and independent candidate may compete for the same Senate seat in November.
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