election law: an overview Citizens make choices by voting in
elections. Two types of elections exist: general elections and
special elections. A general election occurs at a regularly
scheduled interval as mandated by law. A special election would
be held when something arises that does not arise on a regular
basis or routine. For instance, if an elected-office suddenly
becomes vacant or a legislature wants to put a referendum before
the voters, then they can use a special election. The electoral
process ensures that no leader can take control for an extended
amount of time without forcing the elected-official to answer to
the will of the people. Nevertheless, government must play an
active role in structuring elections and the electoral process.
Consequently, individual states carry out the electoral process
by following their own state laws. Sections 2 and 4 of Article I
of the U.S. Constitution provide states the right to choose
their own Representatives and Senators for the United States
Congress. The 17t