Election type
What kind of election this is. Includes referendums and recalls — they're run and reported the same way as elections, even though no one is being elected to an office.
Part of the Elections and results profile, used by Election.
Terms
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
general |
General | The regular election where offices are due to be filled. |
primary |
Primary | An election to pick a party's candidates. |
runoff |
Runoff | A second round after the first round didn't produce a clear winner. |
special |
Special | An election called outside the normal schedule, usually to fill a vacancy. |
byElection |
By-election | An election for a single vacant seat, held partway through a term. The term used in Commonwealth countries for a special election. |
referendum |
Referendum | A question put directly to voters. |
recall |
Recall | A vote on removing an officeholder before their term ends. |
indirect |
Indirect | Chosen by an electoral college or a sitting body instead of by voters directly. |