reelection
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /riːlˈɛkʃən/
US
- /riɪˈlɛkʃən/
Description
- Winning again
- choosing an incumbent again
- another term in office
- renewed mandate
Imagine a leader who has served their community for several years. If people are pleased with the work that person has done, they might vote for them again and give them another term in office. We most often hear this word in politics, but it can also apply to any role where someone is voted back into a position they already hold. Whether it is a school board member or a local club president, seeking reelection is about asking for another vote of confidence based on past performance.
Reelection refers to the act of being elected to an office or position again after already serving a term. It is most visible in politics, where presidents, senators, governors, and other officials campaign to keep their seats, but the idea also applies to any organization with elected leadership. At its heart, reelection is a judgment of an incumbent's performance. Unlike a first election, where candidates mostly run on promises for the future, a reelection campaign is built heavily on a clear record of what the person has already done.
The core idea is that the voters are evaluating a history of service to decide whether to grant continued authority. This is why you will frequently see terms like "reelection bid" or "reelection campaign" in the news. The candidate will often highlight their accomplishments to prove they deserve another chance, while opponents may argue that it is time for a fresh perspective. Ultimately, reelection serves as a vital feedback loop in a democratic process, allowing voters to either reaffirm their support for the current path or choose a new direction entirely.
Examples
- 1
Election result
The mayor won reelection by a comfortable margin.
- 2
Campaign plans
She announced that she would seek reelection next year.
- 3
Election timing
Several senators who are up for reelection are avoiding controversial votes.
Phrase
up for reelection
facing another election soon
- 4
Campaign effort
Rising food prices could hurt the president's bid for reelection.
Phrase
a bid for reelection
an attempt to be elected again
- 5
Organization role
Her reelection as union president was never really in doubt.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- reelectionnoun