A general election is a political voting election where generally all or most members of a given political body are chosen. These are usually held for a nation, state, or territorys primary legislative body, and are different from by-elections (only one electorate goes to election). General elections occur at local, state, and federal levels, and typically occur at regular intervals. There are three basic types of elections: primary, general, and local. In most systems, a general election is a regularly scheduled election where both a head of government (such as president or prime minister), and either "a class" or all members of a legislature are elected at the same time. The purpose of a general election is to make a final choice among the various candidates who have been nominated by parties or who are running as independent or write-in candidates.

In the United States, a general election is held every four years for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Major political parties nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates at their party’s national convention, and the candidates’ names will be listed on the general election ballot. Candidates from minor political parties and independent candidates might not have a national convention, but they may be on the ballot on a state-by-state basis if they meet the eligibility requirements. In the presidential general election, citizens who are registered can vote for any presidential candidate, regardless of the party they are registered with or who they voted for in the past. Most people vote on Election Day, which is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

In Michigan, for example, a primary election is held by political parties to select their nominees for the offices to be elected at the upcoming general election. During a primary, Republicans run against Republicans and Democrats run against other Democrats. The general election determines which candidates will occupy the offices that are up for election. In partisan races, candidates that were nominated at the primary election compete for races along with any candidates without political party affiliation. Nonpartisan races typically appear on the general election ballot as well, such as judicial, school, and library board races. A regular general election is held in November of every even year.