Minnesota Secretary Of State - Types of Elections Skip to main content
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Types of Elections

"Every election is determined by the people who show up. "
-Larry J. Sabato (UVA's Center for Politics)

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ELECTIONS?

 

Not all elections are the same, and each one plays an important role in how our democracy works. Here’s a quick guide.

 

  • Primary Elections:
    • happen before a general election
    • voters choose who will be on the general election ballot
    • in Minnesota, voters choose candidates for one party’s ballot (you help your party decide on the party's candidate)

 

  • General Elections: This is the big one!
    • decide who takes office at every level; local, state, and federal
    • held the first Tuesday in November

 

  • Federal Elections:
    • decide who represents Minnesota in Washington, D.C.
    • electing President, U.S. Senators, and members of the U.S. House of Representatives

 

  • Local Elections:
    • Cities, counties, and school districts
    • positions like mayor, city council, and school board
    • In some jurisdictions these happen in odd-numbered years and may include local ballot questions

 

  • State Elections: These determine
    • who represents you in Minnesota state government
    • Governor, constitutional offices, and members of the state legislature.

 

  • Midterm Elections:
    • takes place halfway through a U.S. president’s four-year term.
    • choose members of Congress, along with many state and local officials
    • shapes the balance of power in government for the remainder of the presidential term

 

  • Special Elections:
    • held when there’s an unexpected vacancy (an elected official resigns or passes away)
    • continue to have representation without waiting for the next scheduled election

 

  • Precinct Caucuses:
    • not an election, but an important step in the process
    • meetings run by political parties
    • participants discuss issues, endorse candidates, and select delegates

 

Bonus Fact: Minnesota ballots often include a mix of local, state, and federal races, all at the same time!

 

Want to see what’s on your ballot? 46 days before an election visit www.mnvotes.gov/myballot to see exactly what your ballot will look like on Election Day.