A runoff election occurs when no candidate receives the required majority of votes in an initial election. This situation often arises in elections for positions such as mayor, governor, or senator. To ensure that the winning candidate has broad support, a second election is held between the top candidates, typically the two with the most votes. In a runoff election, voters choose between the remaining candidates, allowing for a clearer decision. This process helps to confirm that the elected official represents the majority of the electorate's preferences, enhancing the legitimacy of the election outcome.