Unfortunately, this term does not always mean an election for "[A]n election FEDERAL OFFICE. held to: (A) Nominate a political party's candidate for congress or its candidates for elector for president and vice president; (B) Determine the presidential preference of a political party's members; or (C) Choose a member of congress or electors for president and vice president." Tenn. Code §2-1-104(9). A "general or primary election in which an elector may vote for individuals for the office of president of the United States or for the United States congress." Mont. Code Ann. §13-1-101(12). HAVA uses the term "Federal election" nine times (other than in the proper name "Federal Election Commission") and "election for Federal office" 16 times. Neither term is defined in the statute, nor do they mean the same thing.
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Unfortunately, this term does not always mean an election for "[A]n election FEDERAL OFFICE. held to: (A) Nominate a political party's candidate for congress or its candidates for elector for president and vice president; (B) Determine the presidential preference of a political party's members; or (C) Choose a member of congress or electors for president and vice president." Tenn. Code §2-1-104(9). A "general or primary election in which an elector may vote for individuals for the office of president of the United States or for the United States congress." Mont. Code Ann. §13-1-101(12). HAVA uses the term "Federal election" nine times (other than in the proper name "Federal Election Commission") and "election for Federal office" 16 times. Neither term is defined in the statute, nor do they mean the same thing.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Federal Election. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/federal-election
Sources
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High consensus
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Multi-source
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