Your comprehensive guide to elections, politics, and policy in the United States
Elections in the United States take place at multiple levels: federal, state, and local. Each election cycle offers voters the opportunity to shape government and policy through their ballots. Ballotpedia provides nonpartisan information to help citizens understand the electoral process and make informed decisions.
At the federal level, voters elect:
State elections include races for governor, state legislators, and various executive offices such as attorney general and secretary of state. Local elections cover positions like mayors, city council members, school board officials, and county commissioners.
Ballotpedia tracks candidate information, election dates, and historical results across all levels of government. We also explain electoral systems, such as primary types (open, closed, top‑two) and voting methods (plurality, ranked‑choice).
In many U.S. states, citizens can directly influence policy through ballot measures — initiatives, referendums, and recalls. These tools of direct democracy allow voters to adopt new laws, amend constitutions, or remove elected officials from office.
Common topics for ballot measures include:
The process for placing a measure on the ballot varies by state. Some require petition signatures from a percentage of voters, while others allow legislative referral. Ballotpedia offers neutral summaries of each measure, including official language, arguments for and against, and the history of similar proposals. We also track campaign spending and endorsements to give voters insight into who is backing each side.
Exercising your right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy. Ballotpedia’s voter guide helps citizens navigate the voting process with confidence.
Key information includes:
We encourage all eligible voters to check their registration status well before Election Day and to review their ballot in advance. Many states offer online tools to preview your specific ballot based on your address.