1. "'General election' means an election required to be held on a fixed date recurring at regular intervals." Wash. Rev. Code §29A.04.073. Usually, the annual November election, as opposed to a or ELECTION. The "biennial election for national or state PRIMARY SPECIAL officers, members of Congress and of the general assembly, county and township officers, and for the choice of other officers or the decision of questions as provided by law." Iowa Code §39.3(7). An "election in which voters, regardless of party affiliation, are permitted to select candidates to fill public office and vote on ballot issues." 2005 VVSG GLOSSARY. 2. In Guam, "an election held throughout the Territory." 3 Guam Code Ann. §1107.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
1. "'General election' means an election required to be held on a fixed date recurring at regular intervals." Wash. Rev. Code §29A.04.073. Usually, the annual November election, as opposed to a or ELECTION. The "biennial election for national or state PRIMARY SPECIAL officers, members of Congress and of the general assembly, county and township officers, and for the choice of other officers or the decision of questions as provided by law." Iowa Code §39.3(7). An "election in which voters, regardless of party affiliation, are permitted to select candidates to fill public office and vote on ballot issues." 2005 VVSG GLOSSARY. 2. In Guam, "an election held throughout the Territory." 3 Guam Code Ann. §1107.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). General Election. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/general-election
Sources
01
High consensus
02
Multi-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.