Elections & Voting | AP Gov. MV 2025-2026

Suffrage

The right to vote.

Closed primary

A primary election where only registered party members can vote.

Open primary

A primary election where any registered voter can participate regardless of party.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to select candidates or set policy.

General election

The election to choose which candidate will hold office.

Mid-term elections

Congressional elections halfway through a president’s term.

Critical elections

Elections that mark a long-term shift in party coalitions and issues.

Realignment

Long-term shift in party loyalty and coalitions.

Dealignment

A decline in party loyalty, leading to more independents.

Party polarization

When political parties move further apart ideologically.

Single-member districts

Electoral system where one representative is elected per district.

Redistricting

Redrawing electoral district boundaries (usually after a census).

Gerrymandering

Redrawing legislative boundaries to favor one party.