Elections and Voting Election Types

Primary Election

A Primary Election is an election in which voters in a jurisdiction select candidates for a subsequent election (nominating primary). In other words, primary elections are generally when each political party decides its nominee for the upcoming general election. Primaries are common in the United States, where they trace their origin to the progressive movement. Elsewhere in the world, the nomination of candidates is usually the responsibility of political parties and does not make use of the public apparatus for holding elections. Primary Elections are held the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in June of each even-numbered year.

General Election

A General Election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are up for election. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections. General Elections are held the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November of each even-numbered year.

Special Election

A Special Election is any election that is not a regular scheduled election called for by any taxing authority in Marion County for specific purposes as defined by the Code of Iowa.

City/School Election

A City School Election is an election that occurs bi-annually on odd-numbered years in November. This recently combined election is used to elect the Mayor and Council Members for specific cities within Marion County. It is also used to elect School Board Members for specific school districts located in and adjacent to Marion County.