A single decision or set of associated decisions being put before the voters (for example, the option of candidates to fill a particular public office or the approval or disapproval of a constitutional amendment). This term encompasses other terms such a s "race," "question," and "issue" that are sometimes used to refer to specific kinds of contests. A single ballot may contain one or more contests.
What is an election contest?
In election-administration terminology, an election contest is a single decision or related set of choices presented to voters on a ballot. A contest can be a candidate race, a yes-or-no measure, a referendum, or another ballot question. One ballot can contain many separate contests, each with its own available selections and voting rules.
Is an election contest the same as challenging an election result?
Not always. In ballot and voting-system terminology, an election contest means a race, question, or issue presented to voters. In some legal contexts, however, “election contest” can also mean a formal challenge to an election result. Readers should use the surrounding context to determine which meaning applies.
What are examples of election contests on a ballot?
Examples of election contests include a race for governor, a city council seat, a judicial retention question, a constitutional amendment, a bond measure, or a local referendum. Each is a separate decision presented to the voter. Election systems use contest definitions to organize ballot choices, voting limits, tabulation, and results reporting.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
A single decision or set of associated decisions being put before the voters (for example, the option of candidates to fill a particular public office or the approval or disapproval of a constitutional amendment). This term encompasses other terms such a s "race," "question," and "issue" that are sometimes used to refer to specific kinds of contests. A single ballot may contain one or more contests.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Election Contest. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/election-contest
Sources
01
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.