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18.3 Choosing Candidates. Nominating Candidates. This is the most important role of political parties Step 1 when running for office Declare you are a candidate for the office 3 ways to be nominated self-nomination Write in candidate – ask people write your name on the ballot
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Nominating Candidates • This is the most important role of political parties Step 1 when running for office Declare you are a candidate for the office 3 ways to be nominated • self-nomination • Write in candidate – ask people write your name on the ballot • Chosen by delegates at conventions – local, state, and national
Nominating Candidates • Caucus Some states select candidates and/or delegates to the conventions at a caucus Local or state party leaders meet to discuss issues and choose the candidates This used to be secret meetings, but now they are open meetings
Nominating Candidates • Primaries • Most state and federal offices are now chosen in direct primaries • The winning candidate in this election is now the candidate of the party for that particular office • 2 types of direct primary • Closed - only registered members of the party choose the candidates • Open – voters do not need to declare a party before voting, but can only vote in one parties primary
Choosing Presidential Candidates • Who can run? • Over 35 years old These are the only requirements in the Constitution • Born in the U.S. • Be well known • Experience in government • be able to raise money Realistically
Choosing Presidential Candidates • Paying for the primary campaign • Candidates raise most of their own money • Individuals are limited as to how much they can contribute - $2,000 • Federal government will match the donations • Why should (or shouldn’t) our tax dollars be spent on this?
Choosing Presidential Candidates • Choosing Delegates • In the primaries voters either vote for the candidate herself or a delegate who supports that candidate • In caucus through discussion and voting by raising of hands • The whole process starts in Jan. of election year • Although the candidates start visiting the early states of IA (caucus) and NH (primary)even earlier and FL oops!
Choosing Presidential Candidates • National Conventions • Held during presidential election years • Vote on nominations • Usually this is already decided • Decide on the party platform • Listen to speeches • This begins the campaign season