Legal Definitions - off-year election

An off-year election refers to an election held in the United States during a year when a presidential election is not scheduled. These elections often occur in odd-numbered years and typically involve state, local, or special federal contests, rather than the nationwide general elections for president or the full Congress.

• Example 1: State Gubernatorial Race

  In a particular state, the election for governor, lieutenant governor, and other statewide offices is always held in an odd-numbered year, such as 2025. Voters cast ballots to determine who will lead the state government, but there are no federal offices like president or U.S. senators on the ballot that year.

  This illustrates an off-year election because it occurs in a year without a presidential contest, focusing solely on state-level leadership and distinct from the major federal election cycles.

• Example 2: Municipal Elections

  A large city holds its elections for mayor, city council members, and school board representatives in November of 2023. Residents participate in choosing their local leaders and voting on local ballot initiatives, but no federal or major state offices are up for election at the same time.

  This is an off-year election because it is a local election held in an odd-numbered year, separate from the national presidential or midterm congressional election schedules.

• Example 3: Special Congressional Election

  Following the resignation of a U.S. Representative in early 2027, a special election is called to fill the vacant seat for that congressional district. This election is held several months later in 2027, allowing constituents to choose a new representative to serve the remainder of the term, even though it is not a regularly scheduled federal election year.

  This scenario demonstrates an off-year election because it is a federal election occurring in an odd-numbered year, outside of the regular biennial schedule for congressional elections and the quadrennial presidential election.