The Planetary League was a democratic civilization with a Senate, a court system and a President, as well as planetary, regional, and local versions of the same basic governing structures.  In order to fill those offices, the League held annual elections.  These took the form of a ten-day festival.  This was held each year from day 301 - 310 of the Galactic Standard Calendar, (roughly corresponding to the end of October through the beginning of November from the older Gregorian calendar).

The first five days of the festival were devoted to debates and discussions, as well as general revelry, parties and dances.  Local festivals often included a midway where political parties, candidates, and petitioners had booths and displays, mixed in with various carnival amusements.  Comedians and artists would lighten the mood with public displays of satire. 

The sixth, seventh and eighth days turned solemn, with candidates giving formal speeches.  These days were set aside for citizens to actually cast their ballots.

The ninth day of the festival was for announcing the winners of the election.  It was a day for victory and concession speeches and parties.

The final day of the festival was known as Reconciliation Day, and was devoted to reaffirming the core values of the Planetary League.  This was a day for the losers to congratulate the winners, and the winners to make a public display of graciousness to the losers.  It was perhaps the most important civic holiday in the Planetary League.

The Election Festival survived the Great Reckoning, and a form of it was carried on every year in the Holy Empire of Man. It was a substantially shorter festival, being only three days long.

The main feature of this incarnation of the festival was an extended military pageant, with parades and speeches.  This was accompanied by the public shaming and execution of various criminals and enemies of the empire.

The festival ended with the announcement of the people who had been "elected" (chosen by the Emperor, or his servants) to fill various civic and military offices, as well as those who had been awarded medals or honors.