An election is a formal process by which citizens select public leaders. It is an essential feature of democracy. It also provides an opportunity for citizens to hold their leaders accountable for their performance.
An election can take many forms, depending on the level of government and the type of office being voted on. For example, the United States holds presidential, gubernatorial, and local elections. The United States also has district and state elections for positions such as sheriffs, mayors, and school board members.
The earliest examples of elections are probably in ancient Athens and Rome, where the selection of city councils or popes was conducted by an assembly elected by voters. The modern form of elections emerged in the 1600s as representative government became a common practice in Europe and North America. This process shifted the power of society from wealthy or landowning aristocrats to all citizens, based on their consent to govern.
Elections are dramatic events that draw people together as a community. They arouse emotions and channel them toward collective symbols—nationalism or patriotism, reform or revolution, past glory or future promise. For some people, voting satisfies a need to feel part of a political community—even if that community is flawed. For other people, it is a way to satisfy a deeper need for self-actualization.
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