councilelected

Councilelected is a term used to describe offices or seats that are filled by a vote of a governing council rather than by direct popular vote. In systems where a council holds authority over a certain post, candidates are proposed and then the council votes to decide who will occupy the position. The term may refer to political offices, such as a mayor or council chair, as well as to boards or commissions within municipalities, regions, or organizations.

Mechanisms for councilelection typically involve a majority vote by council members, though some cases may employ weighted votes, rotation, or term-based selection. The process is a form of indirect election, because the general electorate delegates the decision to a smaller deliberative body rather than casting a direct ballot for the office.

Councilelected arrangements can be contrasted with direct popular elections, where voters choose the officeholder themselves, and with outright appointments made by a single authority. Supporters argue that councilelection can leverage expertise, stabilize leadership, and align offices with policy goals, while critics point to potential reduced accountability, susceptibility to bloc voting, or limited public input. In practice, councils may elect executives such as mayors, chairs, or board members, and may also determine vacancies or succession within their jurisdictions.