Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
To disqualify candidates means to prevent them from running in an election due to certain legal or administrative reasons, such as not meeting eligibility requirements or violating campaign regulations.
Related terms
Electoral fraud: Illegal actions taken during elections with the intention of manipulating results, which can include disqualifying candidates unfairly.
Candidate nomination process: The procedures through which political parties select and officially nominate their candidates for elections.
Incumbency advantage: The advantage held by current officeholders who are seeking re-election, making it more difficult for challengers to defeat them.