In general, an oral concession by a candidate that he has lost an election has no legal effect.
What is concession?
The term Concession refers to a public acknowledgement by a losing candidate that another candidate has won, usually made after the outcome is sufficiently clear. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How does concession work?
In election administration, Concession is applied according to its defined purpose: a public acknowledgement by a losing candidate that another candidate has won, usually made after the outcome is sufficiently clear. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election. The exact process can differ by office, election type, and jurisdiction.
When is concession used in an election?
The term Concession is used when the relevant election, security, or administrative process calls for a public acknowledgement by a losing candidate that another candidate has won, usually made after the outcome is sufficiently clear. The exact trigger, timing, and responsible official are set by the governing procedure or standard.
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In general, an oral concession by a candidate that he has lost an election has no legal effect.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Concession. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/concession
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