Legal Definitions - at-large election

An at-large election is a method of voting where candidates are elected to represent an entire geographic area, such as a city, county, or state, rather than specific smaller districts within that area. In this system, all eligible voters within the jurisdiction cast ballots for all available seats, and the candidates with the most votes across the entire area are elected.

• Example 1: City Council Election

  Imagine a city that needs to elect five members to its city council. If these positions are elected "at-large," every registered voter living anywhere within the city limits can vote for all five council seats. The five candidates who receive the highest number of votes from across the entire city will win, regardless of which neighborhood they live in or where their strongest support came from geographically. This contrasts with a district-based system where voters would only vote for one council member representing their specific neighborhood.

• Example 2: State Public Service Commission

  Consider a state that elects its three Public Service Commissioners, who regulate utilities, through an at-large system. In this scenario, every eligible voter throughout the entire state casts a ballot for all three commissioner positions. The three candidates who garner the most votes statewide are elected to serve on the commission, meaning they are expected to represent the interests of all residents across the entire state, rather than just a particular region or county.

• Example 3: County School Board

  In a rural county, the school board might consist of seven members elected "at-large." This means that all voters registered anywhere within that county's boundaries have the opportunity to vote for all seven school board positions. The seven candidates who receive the most votes across the entire county are elected, ensuring that the school board members are accountable to the entire county's population and make decisions that benefit all students and schools within the district, not just those in specific towns or areas.