Candidates

A candidate is an individual who seeks to be selected for a position, office, or opportunity by submitting qualifications, meeting eligibility requirements, or participating in a structured selection process. The term is used across politics, employment, education, and various programs, and does not imply any outcome until a decision is made.

The word derives from Latin candidatus, meaning “clothed in white,” historically used for individuals standing for public office in Roman elections. In contemporary usage, the concept is broader and not tied to appearance; it denotes the status of someone who has put themselves forward for consideration.

In political contexts, candidates must typically meet legal eligibility criteria, file required documents, and satisfy ballot-access rules such as petitions, signatures, or party nominations. Primary elections or caucuses often determine party nominees, after which campaigns attempt to win broader support through messaging, debates, fundraising, and organization at the local and national levels. The process culminates in a vote or other method of selection.

In non-political settings, candidates are evaluated through applications, résumés or portfolios, interviews, and assessments. Selection may involve references, background checks, tests, or auditions, and outcome is usually a hiring decision, admission, or program placement. Some domains also include probationary periods or conditional offers if accepted.

Overall, candidacy describes the state of being proposed for a formal opportunity and undergoing a defined process to determine eligibility, ranking, and ultimately selection. The specifics vary by jurisdiction, institution, and context, but the underlying principle is the orderly comparison of qualified individuals.