Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The legal requirements candidates or parties must meet to appear on election ballots, such as signature collection or fees.

A formal process where candidates or parties collect signatures from eligible voters to qualify for inclusion on an election ballot.

An individual who speaks or campaigns on behalf of a candidate, often a celebrity or party leader, to broaden outreach and influence voters.

Individuals who speak or campaign on behalf of a candidate to extend reach and influence during elections.

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

A campaign strategy that focuses on the personal qualities and appeal of an individual candidate rather than their party or ideology.

Primary elections in which only registered party members can vote to select their party’s candidate for the general election.

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.

Ethnic voting occurs when voters consistently support candidates or parties that represent their ethnic group, influencing electoral outcomes along ethnic lines.

Casting a vote to express support for a candidate or cause rather than to influence the election outcome.

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

The electoral edge enjoyed by current officeholders due to name recognition, resources, and established networks. This advantage often increases their chances of re-election.

When voters base their electoral choices primarily on specific policy issues rather than party loyalty or candidate characteristics.

A theory that in a majority-rule voting system, candidates will position their policies to appeal to the median voter to win elections.

A strategy where candidates focus on criticizing opponents rather than promoting their own policies. It aims to reduce support for competitors through attack ads or rhetoric.

Votes a candidate receives based on their personal reputation and constituency service rather than party affiliation.

A significant and lasting shift in the patterns of party support or voter coalitions, often changing the dominant political party system.

Presidential coattails describe the influence a popular presidential candidate has in boosting the electoral success of their party's down-ballot candidates.

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

A second election held if no candidate achieves a required threshold in the primary to ensure majority support.

A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term through a direct vote.

The process of retallying votes to verify the accuracy of election results.

When voters make decisions based on evaluations of past government performance rather than future promises. It emphasizes accountability in democracy.

An electoral system where voters cast one vote in multi-member districts, often leading to strategic voting.

Voting for candidates from different parties on the same ballot, rather than supporting a single party.

A candidate whose presence in an election draws votes from a major candidate, potentially changing the outcome.

Decisions by potential candidates to run or not based on calculations about winning chances and vote splitting.

When voters choose a candidate not as their first preference but to prevent an undesirable candidate from winning.

A party official or elected leader who has a vote in selecting a party's presidential nominee, independent of primary or caucus results. Common in some party systems like the US Democrats.

A state in which no single candidate or party has overwhelming support, making it highly competitive and critical in determining election outcomes. Candidates often focus resources on these states during campaigns.

A voter who does not have a strong allegiance to any political party and can be persuaded to vote for different parties in different elections.

Voters who do not have consistent party loyalty and can change their vote between elections.

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

An electoral system where all candidates compete in a single primary election and the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.

A party system dominated by two major political parties.

Efforts by political parties or organizations to encourage and increase voter turnout, especially among supportive demographics.

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