Runoff Election

A runoff election is a follow-up election used when no candidate satisfies the winning threshold in the first round. It usually features the top two candidates or a reduced field. The threshold, timing, eligible candidates, and whether a runoff is required are set by the election law governing the contest.

A runoff is required only when the applicable rules say the first election did not produce a winner. Common triggers include no candidate receiving a majority or another specified threshold. Some systems automatically advance the top two candidates, while others use different qualification rules, so the jurisdiction's election code controls the process.

A runoff is not simply another name for a general election. A general election is the regular election for choosing officeholders, while a runoff is an additional round triggered because the earlier contest did not produce a winner under the required threshold. In some jurisdictions, a runoff can follow a primary or a general election.