Depending on the type of action proposed, certain planets are considered stronger or more dignified in the astrological chart and others are "weaker" - for example, a strong or well aspected Venus will be considered good for romance or marriage, but not for military action such as an invasion, as Mars is supposed to suit much better for that purpose (see astrological signs for further discussion). Traditionally one of the most important factors in determining what planet should be stongest when selecting propitious times to act are the planetary hours. In this system there are several favorable hours available for initiating any activity imaginable each day; and minimal calculations are required (not a complete horoscope).

One of the problems faced in this type of astrology is the determination of the exact time an activity begins. For example, does a business begin with the decision to start it, the time at which certain documents are signed, or when it starts trading? It might be necessary to take the astrological charts for each of these events into consideration.

In modern India, where Vedic astrology has become firmly entrenched in the culture of the local people over thousands of years, this form of electional strology is and was used for the vast majority of marriage ceremonies taking place, even into the present day. Because arranged marriages are still very widespread in most parts of India, a couple's Astrological Compatibility (evaluated by examining each person's natal chart in relation to the other's in a process known as synastry) is often taken into consideration before a definitive arrangement and match is made, thus hypothetically increasing the overall stability and lovingness of the arranged marriage over the years.

Electional astrology is still used widely today in gardening and even in commercial farming operations, as is obvious if one has ever read the famed Farmer's Almanac, first began by Ben Franklin over 200 years ago. The almanac was (and still is) widely used across the World for planting/harvesting by the phases of the Moon. Plants and crops are believed to grow and flourish much better when initially planted under a waxing Moon because the Moon is increasing (i.e. growing) in light. Please see this website for extensive information on using electional astrology for gardening using the phases of the Moon.

During the Middle Ages, the Age of Exploration, and throughout much of recorded history, electional astrology was widely use in Old Europe and other areas across the globe to determine the most favorable, exact astrological moment for the launching of a ship going on a (usually long and dangerous) major journey by sea (and sometimes even by foot/horse) -- the "best moment for embarkation" was chosen so that the crew would accomplish their mission safely (whether it be trade, war, exploration, fishing, etc.) and return home quickly.

With today's emphasis within astrological circles on the said person's personality/inner psychology and the development of their unique character, this type of astrology is somewhat out of fashion, but it is a widely acknowledged fact that the timing of many key events in the career of Ronald Reagan were recommended using electional astrology, by Nancy Reagan's personal astrologer Joan Quigley. These astrologers were particularly used after the assassination attempt when she became nothing short of obsessed with her husband's personal safety. It finally became a major embarrassment, as it was disclosed that Nancy influenced the White House time schedule of her husband. Days were color-coded according to the astrologer's advice, being classified as "good" days, "neutral" days, or days that should be avoided. Many important speeches and key press conferences were scheduled according to the advice of the various astrologers that Nancy Reagan used. The White House Chief of Staff, Donald Regan (of no relation to her husband), finally became extremely frustrated with this regimen, causing a power struggle between Regan and the First Lady. Donald Regan resigned in 1987. In particular, it is claimed that the dates of Reagan's inauguration as Governor of California and a Reagan-Gorbachev summit (December 8, 1987) were chosen by her. Nancy Reagan became increasingly paranoid for her husband's safety after the assassination attempt and was said to use electional astrology much more than she had in the past after this traumatic event.