What is the purpose of a runoff election?

The purpose of a runoff election is specifically when no candidate in a particular race secures a majority of the votes in the initial election. This situation often arises in instances where there are multiple candidates competing for a position, and it's possible for the leading candidate to receive less than 50% of the total votes cast. A runoff serves to ensure that the eventual winner has broad support by requiring a follow-up election between the top candidates, usually the two who received the highest number of votes, to determine a clear victor with a majority.

The other options do not accurately capture the function of a runoff election. For instance, determining the state budget and passing public questions are processes distinct from candidate selection. While selecting candidates for a local election is related, it lacks the specific context of achieving a majority needed to trigger a runoff. Thus, option C appropriately identifies the rules governing electoral processes aimed at ensuring a majority winner in elections where initial voting does not reflect this outcome.