What triggers a special election?

A special election is typically triggered by unforeseen vacancies or specific needs that arise, such as the unexpected resignation or death of an officeholder, or to address urgent matters that cannot wait for the next regularly scheduled election. This form of election allows for the quick filling of positions or the addressing of important issues that impact the community, ensuring that governance continues effectively.

Regularly scheduled municipal elections occur at predetermined intervals and do not account for sudden situations that necessitate immediate electoral action. Similarly, routine vacancies in public office usually follow specific timelines and processes that are part of regular electoral cycles rather than the urgent response that special elections provide. Scheduled elections every four years are also pre-planned and are not responses to immediate needs, unlike the circumstances that lead to the calling of a special election.