If a race is ‘too close to call,’ what does that mean? Use this guide for election jargon
For weeks leading up to this 2022 midterm elections, headlines, advertisements and remarks from candidates and pundits have included a substantial amount of political jargon and election lingo.
It can be difficult for some to determine what “supermajority” or “too close to call” mean if you’re not a seasoned election expert.
Thankfully, the United States Election Assistance Commission keeps a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms. Here’s how some of those terms are defined:
Absentee ballot
A ballot cast by a voter other than in person on Election Day. In some cases, this term can be used with “mailed ballots” or “early voting.”
Audio ballot
A ballot in which a set of offices is presented to the voter in spoken form instead of written form.
Ballot measure
A question that appears on a ballot for approval or rejection by the voter. Sometimes, a ballot measure may appear in the form of a “yes” or “no” question.
Battleground state
Refers to states that have closely divided support for Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.
Canvass
A compilation of election returns and validation of the results that form the official outcome of elections.
Certificate of election
A document prepared by legally-appointed officials or government entities that validate a candidate’s right to assume a position they have been elected to fill.
Challenged ballot
Ballots provided to individuals who claim they are registered and eligible to vote but whose eligibility or registration status cannot be confirmed. These ballots are not included until after individual eligibility is determined. This term can also be used along with “provisional ballot.”
Closed primary
A “closed primary” (i.e. Republican primary, Democratic primary) is an election where voters use a ballot that only displays candidates running for office in the political party that the voter is associated with.
Election officials
Individuals associated with administering and conducting elections. This term includes all election personnel and on-site poll workers.
Exit polls
A survey taken by a small number of voters at polling locations. The information is often used to forecast the outcome of an election or determine the reasons for voting decisions.
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
The FEC is an independent agency founded in 1975 by Congress that is tasked with regulating campaign finance legislation and overseeing the funding of elections in the United States.
Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP)
The FVAP exists to assist uniformed services and overseas voters exercise their right to vote, guide states in federal law compliance and advocating on behalf of overseas voters.
Open primary
In contrast to a “closed primary,” this term refers to a primary where any voter can participate regardless of their political affiliation.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
A PAC is a group formed to raise and contribute money to the campaigns of candidates who are most likely to advance the group’s interests.
Primary election
A preliminary election is held to determine which candidates will represent a political party for a given office in the general election.
Provisional ballot
This is a ballot provided to individuals who are registered and eligible to vote but whose eligibility or registration status cannot be confirmed. These ballots are not included in tabulation until after voting status is determined.
Purple state
A purple state refers to a voting body with split support for Democratic and Republican candidates. Purple states have a near-equal chance of electing a candidate from either side of the political aisle.
Run-off
A “run-off” election takes place when a winner of a primary or general election cannot be determined by clear a majority vote.
Spoiled ballot
A ballot that has been voted on but will not be cast.
Straight party voting
A voting mechanism that allows voters to cast a single vote that selects all candidates of a particular political party.
Supermajority
A requirement that a proposal or candidate gain a level of support that exceeds the threshold of a standard 50% plus 1 majority.
Swing state
This is a state that features split support for Democratic and Republican candidates. Swing states have a near equal chance of electing a candidate from either side of the aisle.
Too close to call
Within the context of an election, this term means the outcome of an individual race cannot be confidently predicted because the vote totals between each candidate are small.
Write-in
Voters can opt to select a candidate not listed on an official ballot by writing their name in.
This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "If a race is ‘too close to call,’ what does that mean? Use this guide for election jargon."
