Often, but not necessarily.
We have a popular vote for president, but in each state, we are voting for slates of electors. That means that the state as a whole votes as a block.
States don't HAVE to do this; Nebraska and Maine split their electors, and in the 2008 presidential election, Nebraska elected 4 of Senator McCain's electors, 1 of Senator Obama's.
I would call it a direct election.
solemn referendum
The "solemn referendum" of 1920
solemn referendum
Direct Primary
Republicans
The popular vote by ballot is commonly referred to as the popular vote or the general election vote. It is the total number of votes cast by eligible voters in an election, determining the overall preference of the electorate.
direct vote for senators by the voters
There are two types of elections in the United States. The electoral college chooses the President. Every other elected position is through the direct popular vote. In this type of election the candidate with the most votes wins.
Barack Obama won the Popular Vote in the 2008 Presidential Election by about 8,500,000 votes.
popular vote
yey