1. Nomination Process Nomination – naming of those who will seek election

2. Self Announcement Write in candidates Ross Perot - 1992

3. Caucus People with similar interests who select a candidate Exclusive, private, closed

4. Convention Local, County, State, National Today is the official declaration of candidate

5. Petition Get enough signatures and you get on the ballot # Varies by state and office

6. Direct Primary Election within a party to choose candidates Closed – only declared party members can vote Open – any qualified voter can take part Runoff primary – used in states that require a majority to find the winner Nonpartisan elections – candidates not labeled by parties