Special elections fill offices that become vacant between regular elections — for example when an officeholder resigns, is appointed elsewhere, or dies in office.
How special elections work
The timing and rules are set by state law and the office involved. Some seats are filled quickly by a scheduled special election; others may be filled by appointment until the next regular cycle. Turnout is often lower, which makes each vote count more.
Why they matter
A single special election can change which party controls a closely divided chamber, and it can signal shifts in the political mood ahead of the next general election.
