(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Code, in even-numbered years, the general election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November; and an election to be known as the general primary election shall be held on the third Tuesday in March.
     (b) In odd-numbered years, an election to be known as the consolidated election shall be held on the first Tuesday in April except as provided in Section 2A-1.1a of this Code; and an election to be known as the consolidated primary election shall be held on the last Tuesday in February.