What are elections?

The United States is a representative democracy, which means that our governmental officials are elected by citizens at the local, state, and federal level. The officials in these positions are meant to represent the interests and needs of their citizens. That means that voting is a way to participate in our democracy and to use your voice to show how you think your city, state, and federal government should run. 

Common election positions at each level:

Local

  • Mayor
  • City Council Members
  • School District positions
  • County Judges
  • County Commissioners
  • Sheriff

State

  • Governor
  • Lieutenant Governor
  • Attorney General
  • Judges (varies by state)
  • Commissioners
  • State Senate and House of Representatives

Federal

  • President
  • U.S. Senate and House of Representatives