A special election is an election that occurs between general elections and is scheduled at an irregular time to address specific issues or fill vacancies in public elected offices. Special elections are often held to replace officials who have resigned, died, or been removed from office. They are also used to vote on urgent matters such as for a legislature to place a referendum before the public, for recalls, or for specific legislative proposals.
[Last updated in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]