Part 2 Getting on the Ballot

Every federal, state, and local office has qualifications that interested candidates must meet. To appear on the ballot, candidates seek ballot access, either by circulating and signing nomination papers or by being nominated at a caucus. Ballot access paperwork can be challenged if not completed correctly, or if the candidate is not qualified for the office they seek. Candidates can also receive votes, but not have their names printed on the ballot if they register as a write-in candidate by the deadline to do so.