Election is the process by which people choose their representatives in a democracy. Elections can take many forms, from majoritarian (one-person-one-vote) to proportional systems based on party lists. In a democratic regime, elections should be open and free from coercion or intimidation. However, in some contexts this is not the case: for example, authoritarian regimes may try to manipulate elections by suppressing voter turnout or manipulating the count of ballots.
It is also possible for voters to be poorly informed about candidates and issues, particularly in situations where the media is understated or biased towards one point of view, or in which electoral thresholds are manipulated by gerrymandering or other means. As a result, electoral outcomes may be unsatisfactory for some people.
There are different ways to vote: by in-person or absentee ballot. Depending on where you live, the dates and rules of voting vary. For example, some states and territories have early in-person voting, while others allow voters to request a ballot by mail. The opening and closing times of polling locations also vary, so it is important to find out where to go and when before Election Day.
In the US, general elections for president and Congress are held every two years. In addition, a general election is held for state and local offices in even-numbered years. Some of these elections occur along with the presidential ones, while others are held at the discretion of the state and local governments. Some state and local elections are partisan, while others are nonpartisan. In 29 states and the District of Columbia, electors must pledge by state law or be required to cast their votes for the candidate who receives the statewide popular vote.
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