Quick Overview of the Levels of Government
One of our most-used phrases at iVoterGuide is a statement about what levels of races we cover. For instance, we’ve now set our plans for 2026, and here’s our statement . . .
In 2026, iVoterGuide will cover:
· Federal races in all 50 states
· Federal and statewide races in 40 states
· Federal, statewide, and state legislative in 32 states
· State Supreme Court races where they occur in those 40 states
· Key statewide ballot measures, school board races, and municipal elections across the country
Look familiar? I thought it might. But does anyone really know what it all means? We’re hopeful that our staff does, but we’re here to inform everyone, so I thought we’d take a moment to make sure that these phrases are defined.
Although this may not be the most awe-inspiring article we’ve ever written, we hope it will be useful to have this terminology explained a little further. So, here’s a breakdown. They are presented in the order most people will find them on their ballots; i.e., from “top of the ticket” to “bottom of the ticket.”
FEDERAL RACES
These races are for election to a position or a body that governs the entire United States of America. They can include president, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Congress. Helpful hint: You’ll often see the letters “CD” next to a district. “CD” stands for “congressional district” and is followed by a number. For example, “iVoterGuide covered the 2025 special election for Florida CD6 that took place to fill the vacancy that occurred when Michael Walz was selected to be National Security Advisor.”
STATEWIDE RACES
Statewide races are those in which individuals are running for positions mandated as executive officials by statute or in state constitutions. Those elected govern a state. The list of offices can vary from state to state and often includes: governor, attorney general, secretary of state, etc. You can look at upcoming voter guides in Virginia and New Jersey for examples in 2025. People from the entire state, rather than from certain districts, are eligible to vote for each of these positions. Helpful hint: The list may also include state judicial officers who are elected by the whole of the state, such as state supreme court races.
STATE LEGISLATIVE RACES
State legislative races are for the election to the legislative body of any of the country’s 50 states. All states except Nebraska have a bicameral legislature, meaning the legislature is made up of two chambers. You may see the abbreviation HD for “house district,” the larger of the bicameral legislative bodies, or SD for “senate district,” for the smaller of the bicameral legislative bodies. Those elected represent a district within a state. Helpful hint: The formal name for each chamber can vary from state to state. In most states, the larger chamber is called the “House of Representatives,” but other terms used include “House of Delegates” and “General Assembly.”
JUDICIAL RACES
Most judicial races are determined at a district level. For instance, various districts within a state will vote on “places” or “seats” on courts at different levels. Judicial races can be confusing because they can occur at a federal, statewide, district, county, or municipal level. Helpful hint: iVoterGuide distinguishes judicial races from other races because the candidates require a special questionnaire. They are prohibited from answering questions regarding how they will rule on future cases, for example. So, iVoterGuide has written questions that help get to candidates’ judicial philosophy by asking allowable questions.
SCHOOL BOARD RACES
School board races are decided by voters within certain districts. Or, they may be appointed. It varies from state to state. Again, they can occur at a statewide, district, county, or municipal level. Those elected generally govern certain school districts. They are typically non-partisan, meaning that the candidates do not list an affiliation with any political party, making it harder to know which candidate aligns your values . . . and making a voter guide even more important! Helpful hint: iVoterGuide distinguishes school board races from other races because the candidates can affect very different policies.
MUNICIPAL/LOCAL RACES
Local races are decided by voters within certain counties, cities (municipalities), or districts within those boundaries. Those who are elected govern counties, cities, or districts. Common local races include mayor, city council, county commissioner, sheriff, and constable. Many localities also have bond elections— elections that approve or deny spending. Helpful hint: iVoterGuide is currently covering key local races in Texas. Take a look at this flyer to see coverage.
Although not comprehensive, I hope this quick overview of the levels of government and races is helpful! In 2025 we’re covering several special federal elections, statewide and state legislative races in Virginia and New Jersey, plus select school board and municipal races across the country—and we’ll soon be preparing for the surge of mid-term elections in 2026!
School board races are decided by voters within certain districts. Or, they may be appointed. It varies from state to state. Again, they can occur at a statewide, district, county, or municipal level. Those elected generally govern certain school districts. They are typically non-partisan, meaning that the candidates do not list an affiliation with any political party, making it harder to know which candidate aligns your values . . . and making a voter guide even more important! Helpful hint: iVoterGuide distinguishes school board races from other races because the candidates can affect very different policies.