Special Elections

A special election, known in British usage as a by-election, is an election held at a different time from the regular election, usually to fill a vacancy.

In Congress, special elections are more common for House seats than for Senate seats. It is the usual practice for the governor to call a special election in case of a House vacancy. Some states empower the governor to make an interim appointment when a Senate vacancy occurs, although special elections are not uncommon in such cases. (See House of Representatives, electing; Senate, electing.)

Special elections are never held for president or vice president. Succession to the presidency is provided for in the Twenty-fifth Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1967. If the president dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the vice president becomes president. If the president is unable to serve, the vice president becomes acting president. If there is no vice president, the president names a replacement subject to confirmation by Congress. (See President, nominating and electing; Vice president.)

In most states the lieutenant governor becomes the governor if the office becomes vacant. Laws vary from state to state for the holding of special elections to fill vacancies in state or local offices.