> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/markets/categories/elections.md).

# Elections

Election markets resolve based on the outcome of an election or electoral contest. These can include presidential, congressional, state, and parliamentary elections.

### How do they work?

Election markets define the conditions that determine which electoral outcome counts.

Conditions can include:

* **Election**\
  *Example*: US presidential election.
* **Jurisdiction**\
  *Example*: United States.
* **Outcome**\
  *Example*: Candidate wins.
* **Election date**\
  *Example*: November 7, 2028.

### Resolution Sources

Common resolution sources for election markets include:

* **Major news organizations**, such as the Associated Press, Fox News, and NBC
* **Official election authorities**
* **Consensus of credible reporting**

Always check the **market's listed source** — it can affect how the market will resolve.

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FknAMCZ6gDNxBrf1AvAcT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=0d02def6-ae33-477d-be92-61fb99dbd7de" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### What should I be aware of?

* **Race calls and official certification** can determine when an election market resolves.
* **Runoffs or later rounds** may be included in the outcome.
* **Candidate and party status** can depend on nomination, affiliation, or coalition rules.
* **Ties or unresolved results** may have additional rules, such as using valid vote totals or resolving to Other.

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FRki2BurCRfAxQqceVk0J%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=9c8aa59d-8a0c-4f52-ae68-1e48c66dcbff" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Examples

Here are examples of how rulesets are structured:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Primary" %}

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FTApBLJ5QhGKdOEyktH5W%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=79c2f67e-8c98-4b59-87d2-ce388ce52cc7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Resolution Criteria:** The listed candidate wins the 2026 Ohio Republican gubernatorial primary, including any second round or runoff.

**Resolution Source:** Ohio Republican Party or an overwhelming consensus of credible reporting

**Additional Rules:** If no 2026 Ohio Republican gubernatorial primary takes place, the market resolves to Other.&#x20;
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Senate" %}

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FgDfjH1cP8yiZiU5OuCza%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=6646a6b6-4446-4854-9d9c-8f9963e7e22b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Resolution Criteria:** The listed candidate wins the 2026 Texas U.S. Senate election, including any runoffs.

**Resolution Source:** Associated Press, Fox News, and NBC

**Additional Rules:** A candidate represents a party only if they are that party’s nominee. Independent candidates do not count as Democrats or Republicans regardless of affiliation.

**Backup Source:** If all three sources do not call the race for the same candidate, official certification will be used.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="President" %}

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FZDET5RlOyINRtWbnM4wO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=fe5cd407-6e4a-481f-9b4d-92b3ed3b902f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Resolution Criteria:** The listed candidate wins the 2028 U.S. presidential election.

**Resolution Source:** Associated Press, Fox News, and NBC

**Additional Rules:** Resolution occurs once all three sources call the race for the same candidate. If they have not done so by January 20, 2029, resolution is based on who is inaugurated.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Parliamentary" %}

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FCY4Xyn8a0FngB2rfhyqj%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a06b2c0e-7336-4edf-a301-8415577f2550" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Resolution Criteria:** The listed party wins the greatest number of seats in the 2026 Russian State Duma election.

**Resolution Source:** Consensus of credible reporting

**Additional Rules:** If multiple parties tie for the most seats, the party with more valid votes wins. If still tied, the listed abbreviation that comes first alphabetically wins. Jointly listed coalitions may have their seats counted collectively under a designated listed party. If the result is not known definitively by September 30, 2027, the market resolves to Other.

**Backup Source:** If the result is ambiguous, official results from Russian government sources such as the Central Election Commission will be used.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}