A general election is held every 1st Tuesday in the month of November. The term "general election" is used principally to distinguish that election from ‘primary elections’ or ‘special elections.’ For the most recent Election Results, click here.
A primary election is held in September prior to the general election. A primary election may take place within each of New York State's official political parties. It precedes the general election and provides enrolled political party members the opportunity to nominate their party's candidates for elected office as well as to elect various party officials. However, if there is no contest, there is no primary. Candidates of the same political party seek to appear on the ballot as the party’s candidate for office.
A special election is held in jurisdictions to fill an office that becomes vacant prior to the end of its corresponding term.