Eledtions

Primary elections

Spring of even years. Vote in party to pick nominee, but it doesn’t bind you to one party. Before general election

General elections

November of even years (2026). Between the nominees of different parties

off year elections

odd years, varies state to state

Bond measure

Standing measure of $$ loan for libraries, parks, etc in the form of taxes

Open primary

Voters decide on election day which party ballot to vote on for contestants. Good for independents who are not sure, higher voter turnout

Closed primary

Only people who registered in advance with the party can vote for that party’s contestants. Only dedicated party members!

Runoff primary

In certain states, the top 2 candidates have another election and voters can return to cast second vote.

November of even years: midterms, presidential elections and down ballot general elections

Early Tuesday in November every 2 years

Congressional, state & local

Midterms

elections in middle of prs term

Lame duck

They’ll be leaving soon, can be very crazy about pushing forward ideas since nothing to lose, yet not very powerful

split ticket

not necessarily voting same party on everything