Understanding levels of government

iVoterGuide is “the nation’s largest candidate research organization focused exclusively on informing and mobilizing voters with biblical values.” In the endeavor to keep voters informed about the candidates, iVoterGuide issues an annual statement detailing which types of races will be covered in each state. Sometimes, the terminology may be confusing to those who are not involved in the political arena. To that end, below is the annual statement, followed by descriptions of the different levels of government.

In 2026, iVoterGuide will cover:

• Federal races in all 50 states.

• Federal and statewide races in 40 states.

• Federal, statewide, and state legislative races in 32 states.

• State Supreme Court races in 40 states.

•Key statewide ballot measures, school board races, and municipal elections across the country.

Federal races

Federal races involve elections for positions or bodies that govern the entire United States. These include the president, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives.

Helpful hint: When seeking to understand federal elections, it is important to remember that the abbreviation CD stands for “congressional district” and is typically followed by a number.

Statewide races

Statewide races are elections for executive positions mandated by statute or state constitutions, and those elected govern the entire state. The list of offices can vary from state to state and often include positions such as governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. Voters from across the entire state can vote for these positions.

Helpful hint: This category may also include state judicial officers elected by the whole state, such as state supreme court justices.

State legislative races

State legislative races involve elections to a state’s legislative body. Except for Nebraska, all states have a bicameral legislature made up of two chambers. The abbreviation HD stands for “House district” and SD for “Senate district.” Those elected represent a specific district within a state.

Helpful hint: The formal names for each chamber can vary. House of Representatives is most common, but names such as House of Delegates or General Assembly are also used.

Judicial races

Most judicial races occur at a district level, with various regions within a state voting on specific “places” or “seats” in different levels of courts. However, judicial races may be held at federal, statewide, district, county, or municipal levels, making them particularly complex.

Helpful hint: iVoterGuide distinguishes judicial races from others because judicial candidates must follow specific restrictions, and they use a specially designed questionnaire that asks permissible questions.

School board races

School board races are typically decided by voters within certain districts, although members may be appointed in some states. These elections can occur at the statewide, district, county, or municipal level. Elected individuals govern specific school districts. These races are usually non-partisan, meaning candidates do not declare a political party affiliation. This can make it difficult for voters to identify candidates who align with their values – underscoring the value of a voter guide.

Helpful hint: iVoterGuide treats school board races as distinct because the policies they influence can be quite different from those in other races.

Municipal/local races

Local races are decided by voters within specific counties, cities (municipalities), or districts within those boundaries. Those elected govern at the local level. Common local races include mayor, city council, county commissioner, sheriff, and constable.

Helpful hint: Before voting, check to see if iVoterGuide has information for your local area and always make sure to vote in every election!