<P> In 1967, the United States Congress passed the Uniform Congressional District Act, which requires almost all representatives be elected from single - member - districts, Following the Wesberry v. Sanders decision, Congress was motivated by fears that courts would impose at - large plurality districts on states that did not redistrict to comply with the new mandates for districts roughly equal in population, and Congress also sought to prevent attempts by southern states to use such voting systems to dilute the vote of racial minorities . Several states have used multi-member districts in the past, although only two states (Hawaii and Maine) used multi-member districts in 1967 . Hawaii and Maine were made exempt from the Uniform Congressional District Act, and are free to use multi-member districts, although neither state chooses to do so . </P> <P> Louisiana is unique in that it holds an all - party "primary election" on the general Election Day with a subsequent runoff election between the top two finishers (regardless of party) if no candidate received a majority in the primary . The states of Washington and California now use a similar (though not identical) system to that used by Louisiana . Seats vacated during a term are filled through special elections, unless the vacancy occurs closer to the next general election date than a pre-established deadline . The term of a member chosen in a special election usually begins the next day, or as soon as the results are certified . </P> <P> Additionally, Washington D.C. and the five inhabited U.S. territories each elect a non-voting delegate . With the exception of the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, each representative and delegate serves for a two - year term . They have a voice on the floor, but cannot vote there . </P> <P> Representatives and Delegates serve for two - year terms, while the Resident Commissioner serves for four years . The Constitution permits the House to expel a member with a two - thirds vote . In the history of the United States, only five members have been expelled from the House; in 1861, three were removed for supporting the Confederate states' secession: John Bullock Clark (D - MO), John William Reid (D - MO) and Henry Cornelius Burnett (D - KY). Michael Myers (D - PA) was expelled after his criminal conviction for accepting bribes in 1980, and James Traficant (D - OH) was expelled in 2002 following his conviction for corruption . The House also has the power to formally censure or reprimand its members; censure or reprimand of a member requires only a simple majority, and does not remove that member from office . </P>

Who elects members of the house of representatives