What characterizes an election runoff?

An election runoff is characterized by the necessity to determine a winner in a race where no candidate has achieved a majority of the votes. Runoff elections typically occur when candidates receive a substantial number of votes, but none secure the required majority, which is often set at over 50%. This situation necessitates a second election between the top candidates to ensure that the elected individual has received sufficient support from the electorate, thereby legitimizing the outcome. This process helps to resolve ambiguity in close races and ultimately leads to a candidate who reflects a broader consensus among voters.

In contrast, other options pertain to different election concepts. For instance, removing unpopular candidates can happen through various means, but it does not specifically define a runoff. Similarly, preliminary steps before the general election are often related to primaries, not runoffs, which occur post-primary when a majority is needed. Lastly, electing members of the electoral college pertains to the formal process following the general election and is unrelated to the concept of runoff elections.