In cities, an elder is elected to each eldership district, along with a mayor for the city.
From the en.wikipedia.org
An eldership could either be a very small region consisting of few villages, one single town, or part of a big city.
From the en.wikipedia.org
Elderships manage small scale local matters, such as repairing pavements, dirt roads, keeping records on all families living in the eldership.
From the en.wikipedia.org
More examples
The office of elder
The Rulers of Estonia is a list of the rulers of Estonia throughout the history. Starting with the ancient Counties and Parishes each headed by Seniores and Meliores (Elders) as noted by Henry of Livonia. The highest political institutions in Estonia during ancient times were Councils of Elders. ...