Nominations

Nomination is the act of proposing a person or thing for a particular role, award, or honor. It is a preliminary step in a selection process and is distinct from the act of appointment, which is the formal granting of the position or prize.

Nominations occur in many contexts. In politics, parties or elected bodies nominate candidates for offices or for party leadership. The process can involve primary elections, caucuses, committee reviews, or conventions, and may include vetting, eligibility checks, and deadline-driven filing.

In awards and honors, individuals or groups may nominate candidates for prizes, decorations, or recognition. Nominations may come from peers, organizations, or the public. A nomination typically prompts a review by a committee or panel, followed by finalist selection and, in some cases, voting or criteria-based ranking.

In corporate and organizational governance, nomination committees propose candidates for board seats or senior roles. Shareholders or regulators may require disclosure of conflicts of interest and independence standards, with formal approvals needed to confirm appointments.

Procedural elements common to nominations include eligibility criteria, submission timelines, evidence of qualifications, and transparency or accountability mechanisms to prevent bias or manipulation. Some systems require multiple levels of approval or public disclosure of nominees.

A key distinction is that a nomination is not a guaranteed outcome; it is a proposal. The ultimate decision may depend on subsequent voting, endorsement, or appointment procedures.

Examples include political party nominations for elections, film or literary award nominations, and corporate board nominations. See also candidacy, election, and award nomination.