Money in Politics — Glossary

A public forum where election candidates discuss policies and answer questions to inform voters and contrast their platforms.

An independent body responsible for overseeing the conduct, fairness, and logistics of elections to ensure integrity and public trust.

The adherence to democratic principles and fairness in the conduct of elections, including transparency, accuracy, and freedom from fraud or coercion.

The degree of change in voting patterns or party support between elections within a political system.

The practice of scheduling primary elections earlier in the calendar to increase their influence in candidate selection.

An election held to select a party's candidate for a subsequent general election.

A party official or elected leader who has a vote in selecting a party's presidential nominee, independent of primary or [Caucus](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/caucus) results. Common in some party systems like the US Democrats.

Voting for candidates from different political parties for different offices in the same election, reflecting independent or mixed political preferences.

A party system dominated by two major political parties.

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election by casting a ballot.