Ballot access rules, called nomination rules outside the United States, regulate the conditions under which a candidate or political party is either entitled to stand for election or to appear on voters' ballots. The criterion to stand as a candidate depends on the individual legal system, however they may include the age of a candidate, citizenship, endorsement by a political party and profession. Legal restrictions, such as those based around competence or moral aptitude, can be used in a discriminatory manner. Restrictive and discriminatory ballot access rules can impact the civil rights of candidates, political parties and voters.
Read more about Ballot Access: Overview of Ballot Access, State Laws, The Constitution, and International Human Rights, Write-in Status Versus Ballot Access, Other Obstacles Facing Third Parties, Justification of Strict Ballot Access Laws By Two Party Supporters
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