It often takes up to a year between the time a union files an election petition and the time the election is actually held.

Typically, the time between when a union files an election petition and when the election is held is much shorter, often within a matter of weeks or a few months, depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in the United States, for example, aims to conduct elections as promptly as possible, often within 20 to 40 days from the filing of the petition.