Legal Definitions - popular election

A popular election refers to a process where the general public, specifically the eligible voters within a defined jurisdiction, directly cast their ballots to choose individuals for public office or to decide on specific policy proposals. This method emphasizes direct participation by the citizenry in selecting their representatives or approving legislation, as opposed to indirect selection by a smaller body or appointed officials.

Here are some examples illustrating a popular election:

• Example 1: Presidential Election in a Republic

  In a country like Indonesia, citizens who are of voting age directly cast their votes for their preferred presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The candidate pair that receives the most votes nationwide, often exceeding a certain threshold, wins the election and assumes office. This is a popular election because the ultimate decision rests directly with the individual voters across the country, rather than being filtered through an electoral college or a legislative body.

• Example 2: Local School Board Election

  Residents of a particular town or school district might participate in an election to choose members for their local school board. On election day, eligible voters go to polling stations and mark their ballots for the candidates they believe are best suited to oversee the district's schools. This is a popular election because the community members themselves directly elect the individuals who will represent their interests and make decisions regarding local education policy.

• Example 3: State-Level Referendum on a New Law

  Imagine a state government proposes a new law to increase funding for public parks through a dedicated tax. Instead of the legislature simply passing the law, they decide to put it to a vote by the state's citizens. On election day, voters would see this proposal on their ballot and vote "yes" or "no." If a majority votes "yes," the law passes. This constitutes a popular election because the decision on whether to adopt the new law is made directly by the popular vote of the state's electorate, rather than solely by elected representatives.