What are general elections?

General elections are significant events in the democratic process where all registered voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots for candidates running for various public offices. These elections typically determine who will hold positions such as president, governor, or members of the legislature. The key characteristic of general elections is their inclusiveness; they are open to the entire electorate rather than a restricted group such as party members. This broad participation is crucial for reflecting the will of the people and ensuring that elected officials represent a wider segment of society.

Options that mention only party members or meetings for candidate nominations refer to different types of elections or political activities, such as primaries or party conventions. Primaries are exclusive to party members and are used to select candidates for the general election. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of general elections is their accessibility to all eligible voters, making them a fundamental aspect of representative democracy.