Tex Gov Elections and Campaigns

Elections

The process by which we select our government officials.

Campaigns

Efforts by candidates to win an election and gain political position.

Primary Election

An election to determine nominees from different political parties before the general election.

General Election

The election that determines which candidates will win the elected offices.

Runoff Election

An election held between the top two vote-getters if no candidate receives a majority in the primary.

Special Elections

Elections to ratify constitutional amendments, fill vacant offices, or approve borrowing money.

Closed Primary

A primary election in which only registered members of a political party can vote.

Open Primary

A primary election in which voters may choose to participate in any party's primary without being registered with that party.

Incumbent

An officeholder who is seeking re-election.

Campaign Strategy

Plans and actions candidates use to reach voters and promote their policies during an election.

Media Visibility

The exposure and presence a candidate has in various media forms to reach potential voters.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

Ideological Centrist

A candidate who adopts moderate positions in order to appeal to a wider electorate in general elections.

Grassroots Campaigning

Campaign efforts that involve recruiting local volunteers to engage with voters directly.

Bond Elections

Elections to approve borrowing significant amounts of money for local entities.

Citizen Qualification

Basic requirements such as age, residency, and citizenship that individuals must meet to run for office.