What's the difference between a general election and a by-election?

In Plain English

A general election is when everyone in the country gets to vote for members of the House of Representatives and sometimes for Senators. A by-election is only held to fill a seat in the House of Representatives when someone leaves office before a general election is due. So, it's like a mini-election for a specific area.

Detailed Explanation

According to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, the difference between a general election and a by-election is as follows:

• Election: Means a general election or an election of Senators for a State or Territory (as defined in Chunk 216).
• By-election: Means an election of a member of the House of Representatives that is not part of a general election (as defined in Chunk 216).