ABSTRACT
This chapter critically engages with the prevailing conceptions of local elections as mere lower rank elections or simply a different kind of election in contrast to national elections. With the predominant second-order perspective as a reference point, an alternative framework is developed to discuss second-tier elections and voting. While emphasising the relationship with a first-tier national counterpart, it equally acknowledges variation among different local authorities. By integrating both perspectives and laying the theoretical foundations for comparative empirical research, the chapter strives to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of local elections and voting in a multi-level context.
