Glossary Terms
There are three types of elections: Municipal, Primary and
General elections. The following information will describe
each type.
Municipal Election
An election held for towns, cities or other special districts.
Only residents of these municipalities and districts are eligible
to vote in these elections. These elections are held in odd-numbered
years.
General Election
A General Election is defined as a partisan election in which
candidates are elected. All registered voters are eligible
to vote in a general election. General elections are held
in even-numbered years.
General elections are held for the following
offices:
- U.S. President / Vice President*
- U.S. House Of Representatives (Congress)
- North Carolina State House and State Senate officials
- County Officials (e.g., County Commissioners)
- Municipal Officials (e.g., mayor, council members)**
- School Board
General elections also may include bond proposals and referenda.
* Four-year general elections (based on presidential election
year).
** Municipal officials will be elected in 1999 general elections
and every two years thereafter.
Registered voters may vote for candidates in either party,
regardless of their declared party affiliation.
Primary Election
A Primary is defined as an election which nominates
candidates to the ballot for the General Election. The nominees
of each party are then placed on the ballot for general election.
Primary elections are held in even numbered years prior to
the general election.
A Primary Election is held to nominate a candidate
to represent a political party in the General Election. Primary
elections are held for the following offices:
- U.S. House Of Representatives (Congress)
- Governor and other North Carolina officials such as:
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- Secretary Of State
- State Auditor
- State Treasurer
- Superintendent Of Public Instruction
- Commissioner Of Labor
- Commissioner Of Insurance
- Commissioner Of Agriculture
- North Carolina State House and State Senate officials
- County Officials (e.g., County Commissioners)
- Municipal Officials (e.g., mayor, council members)
Registered voters may vote ONLY in the primary election
of their declared party. If a voter is registered as "unaffiliated",
he/she may vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary
election.
An organization of voters which supports a political view,
and is recognized by the State Board of Elections.
An election where candidates do not run as a nominee of a
political party. Judicial elections are non-partisan as well
as most municipal elections.
An election where the candidates must be a nominee of a recognized
political party or otherwise qualify.
Choice to not register with a political party.
Voting by mail or One-Stop prior to Election Day.
Voting in a time frame, in person, prior to Election Day.
No longer needing an excuse to vote by mail or One-Stop method.
By election law, spouse, parent, grandparent,
child, grandchild, sibling, stepchild, in-law (father, mother,
son or daughter).
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