
How U.S. Elections Work
Elections are straightforward by the end: you see the candidates, and you vote for the candidate you want in office. But the process to select and narrow down candidates can be complex — and take months or years. Learn how U.S. elections work from start to finish.
Election and Voting Law Explained
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Voting Terms: Definitions
A one-stop article for common voting law terms from A to Z. Learn about U.S. voting terms >
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Types of Primary Elections
Learn how each political party chooses one person to represent them. Primary elections happen at local, state, and national levels. Info about primary elections >
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What Is a Party Convention?
The party convention will select candidates, decide popular issues, and get members excited for the election. Learn about this meeting of delegates. >
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What Is Compulsory Voting?
The U.S. does not have compulsory voting. The countries that do make voting required by law (though the penalties are usually mild). Learn about compulsory voting >
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What Is a Runoff Election?
Learn about the process when a top-voted candidate still falls short of the minimum percentage of votes required. What is a runoff election? >
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What Is the Contingent Election and Voting Process?
This article reviews the history and process of using the electoral college system to elect a president or vice president. Read about contingent elections >
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Ballot Harvesting: What Is It? How Does It Work?
Gathering and dropping off ballots for others is legal (in some states) and effective, but controversial. What is ballot harvesting? >
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What Is Electoral and Voter Fraud?
Learn about the intentional corruption of the election process and see examples of these fraud cases in our article about electoral and voter fraud >
The U.S. Election Process: Before the Vote
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How Do Caucuses Work?
Learn about the meetings needed to discuss and decide which delegates to elect to support a preferred presidential nominee. How do caucuses work? >
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How to Become an Election Official
An outline of the process and qualifications to become an election official. How to become an election official >
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Citizen Ballot Initiatives
Citizens can initiate changes to state laws or ask for new laws. This is used for taxes, recalling elections, or anything that concerns the people of the state. Learn about citizen ballot initiatives >
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How Does the Electoral College Work?
Citizens do not vote for a presidential candidate at first. They must choose a group of electors who promises to vote for the person the citizen wants. Confusing? This article has all the details about the electoral college >
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U.S. Federal Campaign Financing Laws
Review the history and laws regulating money in U.S. elections. Campaign finance laws info >
The U.S. Election Process: At the Polls
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Voting Machines: History, Security, and Potential Problems
See the technology issues and how history has changed in this article about how voting machines work >
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The Compulsory Voting Debate: Pros and Cons
Educate yourself on the pros and cons of requiring citizens to vote and learn about the countries that legally prosecute people who do not vote in our article on the compulsory voting debate >
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What Information Is Public From Your Voting Record?
Organizations and police can see your name, address, and party affiliation. Other information may be included depending on your state. Learn what's public on your voting record >
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What Is Straight Ticket Voting?
Learn the pros and cons of choosing your entire ballot within the same party. What is straight-ticket voting? >
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Are Multilingual Ballots Required?
Some locations are required to provide ballots in non-English languages, while others are not. Learn why in this article on bilingual ballots >
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Voting by Mail Pros and Cons
What does voting by mail look like in 2020? Is it safer? Fraudulent? Too complicated? Learn about the pros and cons of voting by mail >
The U.S. Election Process: After the Vote
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How Does Instant Runoff Voting Work?
In some states, you can rank your top choices, and if your top choice is eliminated, your second choice (or third choice) will get your vote. How does instant runoff voting work? >
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Contesting an Election
A losing candidate can demand a recount of votes. Learn about the process and which laws apply when contesting an election. >
About FindLaw.com's Voting Resources
The voting articles across this site are meant to help you understand how voting works in the U.S. and be better informed come Election Day. Learn more about us.
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Learn about the history of the electoral college — including why it was started, and whether it still works today — in our interview with election law expert David Schultz.
You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
Protect Your Voting Rights
Contact a qualified attorney if you suspect your rights have been violated.