| ← 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 → Off-year elections | |
| Election day | November 3 |
|---|---|
| Congressional special elections | |
| Seats contested | 5 |
| Net seat change | Democrat +1 |
| Gubernatorial elections | |
| Seats contested | 2 |
| Net seat change | 0 |
 | |
| 1981 Gubernatorial election results map | |
| Legend | |
| Republican gain Democratic gain No election | |
The 1981 United States elections were off-year elections were held on Tuesday, November 3, 1981, comprising 2 gubernatorial races, 5 congressional special elections, and a plethora of other local elections across the United States. No Senate special elections were held.