Election to select a winner following a primary or a general election in which no candidate in the contest received the required minimum percentage of the votes cast. The two candidates receiving the most votes for the contest in question proceed to the run-off election.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
Election to select a winner following a primary or a general election in which no candidate in the contest received the required minimum percentage of the votes cast. The two candidates receiving the most votes for the contest in question proceed to the run-off election.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Run Off Election. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/run-off-election
Sources
01
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.