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VOTING: TYPES OF ELECTIONS

Q. What types of elections are there?

There are three basic types -- primary, general and local. In addition, "special elections" can be called which are limited to one specific purpose, e.g., filling a vacancy.

Q. What is a primary election?

At a primary election the political parties select the candidates who will represent that party on the ballot in the next general election in November. California now has a "Modified Closed Primary System" which means that a political party has the option of allowing unaffiliated ("decline to state") voters to vote for the candidates on their party's ballot. Unaffiliated voters must request the ballot of one of those political parties or they will be given a ballot containing only measures and non-partisan candidates.

Q. When is a primary election held?

A primary is held in June or earlier of even-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday. The California Legislature sets the primary date. In 2008, the primary date for the Presidential election is February 5. The primary for state and legislative offices is June 3.

Q. What is a Presidential primary?

During presidential election years, California holds a Presidential Primary usually in conjunction with the regularly scheduled primary. In 2008, the legislature decided to have the Presidential Primary in February separate from the legislative primary. Voters select a slate of delegates pledged to vote for a given candidate to their party's presidential nominating convention. The political parties decide whether voters unaffiliated with any party may vote in their primary.

Q. What is a general election?

A general election is one that is held in the whole state and is not limited to voters in a particular party or a specific locality.

Q. When is a general election held?

It is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even-numbered years.

Q. What is the purpose of a general election?

The purpose of a general election is to make a final choice among the various candidates who have been nominated by parties or who are running as independent or write-in candidates. In addition, where nonpartisan races have not been decided in the primary, the runoffs are held at the general election. Statewide measures also can be placed on the November ballot.

Q. What is a nonpartisan office?

It is an office for which candidates' names appear on the ballot without party designation. No party may nominate a candidate for nonpartisan office.

Q. Which offices are nonpartisan?

Local offices such as most city council members, county supervisors, all judgeships, including the statewide office of member of the California Supreme Court, and all school boards, including the statewide offices of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner, are nonpartisan.

Q. Are there nonpartisan primaries?

Yes. Some local nonpartisan primaries such as those for judges are usually held at the same time as the statewide regular primary. A candidate for a nonpartisan office who is on the primary ballot is selected if he or she wins more than 50% of the vote. If not, there is a runoff election in November between the top two candidates.

Q. Do all nonpartisan offices use primaries?

No, some nonpartisan offices, such as most city councils and school boards, do not use primaries. Candidates run as independents and the person with the most votes wins even if it is not a majority.

Q. When are local elections held and how do I learn about them?

There is no set time or method that applies to all city, county, school or special district elections. If you are a registered voter you will receive a Sample Ballot before the election. This will provide the information you need about who is running for what office and whether there are any local ballot measures. All local offices are nonpartisan and candidates run without party affiliation noted on the ballot. Check the League's Smart Voter website at www.smartvoter.org.