kandidacy

Candidacy refers to the status of an individual who seeks election to public office or another position that is allocated by vote. A candidate may be self-nominated or nominated by a political party or other organization. Candidacy typically begins with eligibility checks and the submission of required documents to election authorities, often including a declaration of candidacy, party nomination papers, and, in some jurisdictions, a filing fee or the collection of petition signatures.

Eligibility criteria vary by jurisdiction but commonly include age, citizenship, and residency requirements, as well as constraints on holding incompatible offices or having certain criminal convictions. Nomination and ballot access are governed by election law: many systems require parties to select their nominees through primaries or caucuses, while independents must gather signatures or obtain official sponsorship to appear on the ballot. Deadlines, signature thresholds, and the number of endorsements needed are set by statute and can differ across offices and levels of government.

During the campaign period, candidates may raise and spend funds within legal limits, disclose contributions, and adhere to rules on advertising and financing. Once registered, candidates campaign to win votes, and many jurisdictions permit substitutions or replacements if a candidate withdraws, is disqualified, or dies before an election. Replacement rules vary, with sometimes a party substituting a candidate or a special process to fill a ballot vacancy.

Candidacy, in its various forms, is central to electoral competition and representation. Clear rules regarding eligibility, nomination, ballot access, and campaign finance help ensure fair competition and orderly administration of elections.