Electoral legislation establishes a number of electoral processes, not only for voting procedures but also election financing, registration of candidates and political parties, the election campaign, election advertising, the media, and sometimes interest groups. With this broad range of areas covered by statute and regulations, there is an equally wide array of possible offences.

For instance, offences may involve exerting undue influence on the vote and election results, obstructing election operations, failing to observe prescribed limits on expenses or contributions, showing partiality as an electoral administrator, running election ads during blackout periods, or using lists of electors for personal or political purposes.

Legislation often makes distinctions according to the nature and seriousness of an offence, and may also establish the degree of intent required to find someone guilty. It treats some offences as minor and others as more serious infractions. Another distinction is between hard and fast offences, where the simple fact that an act occurred is enough to determine guilt, and offences committed with the requisite intent. Penalties are usually applied proportionately to the nature and seriousness of an offence.