What are the different types of elections?

In Illinois, there are three main types of elections – primary, general, and special elections. A primary election is a local, state or federal election in which voters decide which of the candidates running for office will represent their preferred political party in the general election. Primary elections help determine the nominees for the general election. A general election is an election in which citizens vote for candidates to fill various offices. General elections for government offices are usually held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years in the United States. This is the election in which citizens of Illinois vote for the state’s senators, representatives, governors, and other leaders. Special elections are held to fill vacancies in the legislature or other political offices and are not held on a specific day like a general election. These are usually held when a new law is passed or when a state legislature seat is vacated for some reason. In Illinois, citizens also have the option to vote early or via absentee ballot as long as they meet the state’s eligibility guidelines. To be eligible in the state of Illinois to cast a ballot in a primary or general election, a person must be a United States citizen, be a resident of Illinois and of the election precinct, and be at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the election.

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What are the different types of elections?

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