A more thorough explanation:

A special election is an election that takes place outside of the regular election cycle. It is often held to fill a vacancy in an elected office or to allow the public to vote on a specific issue.

• When a senator resigns or dies in office, a special election may be held to fill the vacancy.
• A city council may call a special election to ask voters to approve a new tax or bond measure.

These examples illustrate how special elections are used to address specific needs outside of the regular election cycle. They allow for a timely and democratic process to fill vacancies or make important decisions.