Elections and Voting
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Constitutional Law and Political Science course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Absentee Ballot #
A voting method that allows individuals to cast their vote before Election Day, or from a location other than their designated polling place. This is particularly useful for voters who are unable to physically be present at their polling place on Election Day, such as military personnel, overseas citizens, or individuals with disabilities.
Advance Voting #
A type of early voting that takes place before Election Day, typically at designated advance voting locations or by mail. Advance voting enables voters to cast their ballots at a time and place that is more convenient for them, and helps reduce long lines and wait times on Election Day.
Ballot Initiative #
A process that allows citizens to propose and vote on new legislation or constitutional amendments directly, without the need for legislative action. Ballot initiatives can be started by collecting a certain number of signatures from registered voters, and are often used to bypass legislative gridlock or address issues that are not being adequately addressed by elected officials.
Campaign Finance #
The process of raising and spending money to support a political campaign or candidate. Campaign finance regulations govern the amount of money that can be raised and spent, as well as the sources of funding and disclosure requirements. These regulations are designed to prevent corruption, promote fairness, and ensure transparency in the political process.
Caucus #
A meeting of party members to select candidates, debate issues, and adopt party platforms. Caucuses are typically held at the state or local level, and are used by political parties to engage members and build support for candidates and policies. Caucuses are often contrasted with primary elections, which are conducted by governments and are open to all registered voters.
Constituent Services #
The assistance and support provided by elected officials to their constituents, often in the form of help with government agencies, advocacy on local issues, and information about government programs and services. Constituent services are an important part of the representative function of elected officials, and help build trust and engagement with the communities they serve.
Election Administration #
The management and oversight of elections, including the registration of voters, the printing and distribution of ballots, the training and deployment of poll workers, and the counting and reporting of results. Election administration is a critical function of democratic governance, and is typically the responsibility of state or local election officials.
Election Cycle #
The period of time between two consecutive elections, often used to describe the recurring pattern of political campaigns, fundraising, and voter engagement. Election cycles can vary in length, depending on the office being contested and the specific rules and regulations of the jurisdiction.
Election Day #
The day on which elections are held, typically on a Tuesday in November in the United States. Election Day is a critical moment in the democratic process, and is often marked by high levels of voter turnout and civic engagement.
Election Integrity #
The assurance that elections are conducted fairly, transparently, and accurately, without interference or manipulation. Election integrity is a critical component of democratic governance, and is often ensured through a combination of legal, technological, and administrative measures.
Election Observation #
The monitoring and evaluation of elections by independent observers, often from international organizations or non-governmental groups. Election observation is an important tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and credibility in the electoral process, and can help identify and address irregularities or fraud.
Electoral College #
A system used in the United States to elect the President and Vice President, in which each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes based on its population. The Electoral College system is designed to balance the influence of large and small states, and requires candidates to win a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) in order to be elected.
Electoral System #
The set of rules and procedures used to conduct elections and determine the outcome. Electoral systems can vary widely, and can have significant impacts on the composition and behavior of the elected body. Common electoral systems include first-past-the-post, proportional representation, and ranked-choice voting.
Gerrymandering #
The manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political gain, often to concentrate voters of one party or demographic group in a single district, or to dilute their influence in other districts. Gerrymandering is a controversial practice that can undermine democratic norms and lead to unequal representation.
Get Out the Vote (GOTV) #
A political strategy aimed at increasing voter turnout, often through targeted outreach, education, and mobilization efforts. GOTV efforts can include phone banking, door-to-door canvassing, direct mail, and social media campaigns.
Independent Expenditure #
A political expenditure made by an individual or organization that is not coordinated with a candidate or political party. Independent expenditures are often used to support or oppose candidates or issues, and are subject to certain regulations and disclosure requirements.
Mail #
In Ballot: A voting method that allows individuals to cast their vote by mail, often in lieu of or in addition to in-person voting. Mail-in ballots are a convenient and secure way for voters to participate in elections, and are often used in conjunction with other voting methods, such as early voting and in-person voting on Election Day.
Partisan Gerrymandering #
The manipulation of electoral district boundaries for the benefit of a particular political party, often at the expense of other parties or demographic groups. Partisan gerrymandering is a controversial practice that can undermine democratic norms and lead to unequal representation.
Political Action Committee (PAC) #
An organization that raises and spends money to support or oppose political candidates or issues. PACs are regulated by campaign finance laws, and are subject to certain contribution limits and disclosure requirements.
Primary Election #
An election held to select a party's nominee for a particular office, often conducted by governments and open to all registered voters. Primary elections are typically held before the general election, and are used by political parties to narrow the field of candidates and build support for their chosen nominee.
Proportional Representation #
An electoral system in which seats in a legislative body are allocated in proportion to the number of votes received by each party or candidate. Proportional representation is designed to ensure fair and representative outcomes, and is often used in multi-member districts or at the national level.
Ranked #
Choice Voting: An electoral system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference, rather than selecting a single candidate. Ranked-choice voting is designed to ensure that the candidate with the most support overall is elected, even if they do not receive a majority of first-choice votes.
Redistricting #
The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, often following a census or other demographic changes. Redistricting is a critical function of democratic governance, and is often used to ensure fair and representative outcomes. However, it can also be a source of controversy and manipulation, particularly when conducted for partisan or political gain.
Runoff Election #
An election held to determine the winner of a race in which no candidate received a majority of the votes in the initial election. Runoff elections are often used in single-member districts or in other situations where a majority is required to win.
Voter Education #
The process of informing and educating voters about the electoral process, including registration, voting methods, and candidate positions. Voter education is an important component of democratic governance, and is often conducted by non-partisan organizations, government agencies, and other groups.
Voter Identification #
The requirement that voters provide identification before casting their ballot, often in the form of a government-issued ID or other documentation. Voter identification laws are designed to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the electoral process, but can also be a source of controversy and controversy, particularly when they disproportionately impact certain demographic groups.
Voter Registration #
The process of registering to vote, often requiring individuals to provide personal information and proof of eligibility. Voter registration is a critical function of democratic governance, and is often used to ensure that only eligible individuals are able to participate in elections.
Voter Turnout #
The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. Voter turnout is an important indicator of democratic engagement and participation, and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including voter registration, access to voting, and the level of interest and engagement in the election