A nonpartisan election is a type of election where candidates do not officially represent political parties. This means that their party affiliation is either removed or not disclosed on the ballot. Nonpartisan elections are often used for local offices, such as mayors and school board members, and are designed to encourage voters to focus on the candidates' qualifications rather than their party platforms. By minimizing party influence, nonpartisan elections aim to foster greater public engagement and decision-making based on individual merit and policies rather than partisan loyalty.