Special Election
An election held to fill a political office that has become vacant before the scheduled end of its term, due to death, resignation, or removal of the incumbent.
An election held to fill a political office that has become vacant before the scheduled end of its term, due to death, resignation, or removal of the incumbent.
Example: When a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant mid-term, the 17th Amendment lets a state’s legislature authorize the governor to make a temporary appointment, and a special election is then held under that state’s law to fill the remainder of the term.
Common misconception: Special elections are only held for Congress. Special elections occur at all levels of government, including for mayors, governors, state legislators, and local school boards, whenever a vacancy occurs unexpectedly.
Sources: https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-17/ — 17th Amendment (Constitution Annotated): vacancies filled by temporary appointment as the state legislature allows, until the people fill the vacancy by election