How Elections Work
The United States has a layered system of government — federal, state, and local — with elections at every level. Understanding this structure helps you know which races appear on your ballot and why each one matters.
Federal Elections
Federal elections determine who represents you in Washington, D.C. These include the presidency and members of Congress. Federal officials make decisions about national defense, immigration, Social Security, Medicare, and other issues that affect the entire country.
President of the United States
4-year term, limited to two terms
The president is elected through the Electoral College system. Citizens vote in their state, and each state has a number of electors equal to its total congressional representation (House seats plus two senators). A candidate needs 270 of the 538 total electoral votes to win. In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state receives all of its electoral votes.
U.S. Senate
6-year term, no term limits; 100 senators (2 per state)
Senators represent their entire state and are elected by the statewide popular vote. Senate terms are staggered so that roughly one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. The Senate confirms presidential appointments, ratifies treaties, and serves as the jury in impeachment trials.
U.S. House of Representatives
2-year term, no term limits; 435 members
Representatives are elected from congressional districts within each state. Districts are redrawn every ten years after the census. The number of districts each state has is based on its population. The House has the sole power to introduce revenue bills and initiate impeachment proceedings.
State Elections
State governments have tremendous power over the issues that affect your daily life. Education policy, state taxes, criminal justice, healthcare programs, infrastructure, and election administration are all primarily handled at the state level.
Governor
The governor serves as the chief executive of the state, responsible for implementing state laws, managing the executive branch, and proposing budgets. Most governors serve four-year terms. Governors can sign or veto legislation passed by the state legislature.
State Legislature
Every state except Nebraska has a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature — typically a Senate and a House or Assembly. State legislators write and pass laws that affect daily life, including education funding, transportation, healthcare policy, and criminal justice. These races are often decided by very small margins.
Attorney General
The state attorney general is the chief legal officer, responsible for representing the state in legal matters, enforcing consumer protection laws, and issuing legal opinions. In most states, this is an elected position.
Other Statewide Offices
Many states also elect a Secretary of State (who often oversees elections), Treasurer, Comptroller, and various commissioners. These offices handle critical functions like managing state finances, overseeing elections, and regulating industries.
Local Elections
Local elections often have the most direct impact on your life. These officials decide how your tax dollars are spent in your community, what your children learn in school, and how public safety is managed in your neighborhood.
Mayor & City Council
Local government directly impacts everyday life — roads, water, police, fire services, parks, and zoning. Mayors serve as chief executives of cities, while city council members represent districts or wards and vote on local ordinances and budgets.
School Board
School board members oversee public education in their district, making decisions about curriculum, budgets, school policies, and superintendent hiring. These elections have an enormous impact on communities but often see very low voter turnout.
Special Districts
Special districts govern specific services like water, sewage, fire protection, transportation, and parks. They have their own elected boards that make decisions about rates, services, and infrastructure. Many citizens don't realize these positions are elected.
Primary vs. General Elections
Primary Elections
Primaries determine which candidates will represent each political party in the general election. They typically take place several months before the general election.
- Open primaries: Any registered voter can participate, regardless of party affiliation.
- Closed primaries: Only voters registered with a specific party can vote in that party's primary.
- Semi-open/semi-closed: Various hybrid systems that differ by state.
General Elections
General elections are when voters choose from among the candidates nominated by parties (and any independent candidates) to fill government offices.
- Federal general elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
- Presidential elections occur every four years; congressional elections every two years.
- State and local elections may be held on different dates depending on your jurisdiction.
Election Timeline
While specific dates vary by state and election type, here is a general timeline for how the election cycle works in a presidential election year:
January - June
Primary Season
State primaries and caucuses take place across the country. Candidates campaign to win their party's nomination.
Summer
National Conventions
Each major party holds a national convention to formally nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
September - October
General Election Campaign
Candidates debate, campaign, and present their platforms. Early voting and mail-in ballot distribution begins in many states.
Early November
Election Day
Voters cast their ballots. Federal Election Day is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
December
Electoral College Vote
Electors in each state formally cast their votes for president and vice president.
January
Inauguration
Congress certifies the electoral votes. The new or re-elected president is inaugurated on January 20th.