A _________ is held when no candidate gets 50 percent plus one vote in the primary election.

A runoff election is held when no candidate receives 50 percent plus one vote in the primary election. This situation arises to ensure that the final winner has broad support from the electorate. In a primary election, multiple candidates may compete, and if the votes are fragmented enough that no single candidate achieves the majority, a runoff election is organized. This typically involves the top two candidates from the initial round of voting competing against each other, allowing voters to make a more definitive choice. Such electoral processes are designed to enhance democratic legitimacy by enabling voters to select a candidate who enjoys broader appeal, ultimately strengthening the overall electoral process.