Campaign glossary

38 terms you'll hear at the election office, the bank and the first planning meeting, in plain English.

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Absentee ballot: A ballot cast without going to the polls on Election Day, usually by mail. Who qualifies and how to request one depends on state law.

Ballot access: The legal requirements a candidate must meet to have their name printed on the ballot, such as filing a declaration of candidacy and paying a fee or submitting petition signatures.

Campaign committee: The organization, usually registered with the state or county, that raises and spends money for a candidate. It typically has a name, a treasurer and its own bank account.
Campaign finance report: A periodic report listing the contributions a campaign received and the money it spent. Due dates and thresholds are set by state or local law.
Canvassing: Contacting voters directly, usually by knocking on doors, to share information and learn what matters to them.
Certificate of election: The official document confirming the winner of an election after results are certified.
Certification: The formal process by which election officials confirm final results after counting and any required audits.
Constituent: A person who lives in the district an official represents.
Contribution: Money, goods or services given to a campaign. Many states limit how much one person or group can give and require reporting above certain amounts.
Contribution limit: The maximum amount a donor may give to a candidate for a given election, if your state or locality sets one.

Declaration of candidacy: The form a person files to officially become a candidate for an office. It may be called a statement of candidacy or notice of candidacy.
Disclaimer: The statement on campaign materials identifying who paid for them, often beginning "Paid for by." Required wording varies by state.
District: The geographic area an office represents. County council and school board seats are often divided into numbered districts.

EIN: Employer Identification Number, a federal tax ID issued by the IRS. Banks often require one to open a campaign account.
Early voting: A period before Election Day when voters can cast ballots in person. Dates and locations are set by state and local election officials.
Election calendar: The official schedule of filing periods, registration deadlines, election dates and reporting deadlines for a given cycle.
Endorsement: Public support for a candidate from a person or organization.
Expenditure: Money a campaign spends. Most states require expenditures above a set amount to be itemized on finance reports.

Filing fee: A fee some jurisdictions charge to appear on the ballot, often based on the office's salary. Some allow petitions instead.
Filing period: The window of dates when candidates may file for office. Filing outside it usually isn't allowed.

Get out the vote (GOTV): The final phase of a campaign focused on making sure supporters actually vote.

Hatch Act: A federal law limiting political activity by federal employees and some state and local employees in federally funded programs. Federal employees can't run in partisan elections; covered state and local employees are barred only if federal loans or grants pay their entire salary.

In-kind contribution: A contribution of goods or services instead of money, such as donated printing or a discounted venue. It usually must be valued and reported like cash.
Incumbent: The person currently holding the office.

Nonpartisan race: An election in which candidates' party affiliations don't appear on the ballot. Many school board and city races are nonpartisan.

Open seat: An office with no incumbent running, often because the current holder retired or reached a term limit.

Palm card: A small printed card with a candidate's photo, message and key information, handed out while canvassing.
Partisan race: An election in which candidates run under a party label, often after winning a party primary.
Petition: A document signed by registered voters to place a candidate on the ballot. Required numbers and rules vary by jurisdiction.
Precinct: The smallest election unit, served by a single polling place.
Primary election: An election that narrows the field before the general election, often choosing each party's nominee in partisan races.

Recordkeeping: Keeping receipts, deposit records and contributor information so reports are accurate and you can answer questions later.
Runoff: A second election held when no candidate reaches the share of the vote required to win, in places that use them.

Statement of economic interests: A disclosure form some candidates and officials must file listing income sources, property and potential conflicts of interest.

Term limit: A legal cap on how many terms a person can serve in an office. Many local offices have none.
Treasurer: The person responsible for a campaign's money, records and reports. Many states require candidates to name one.

Voter file: The list of registered voters maintained by election officials, often including voting history (not how people voted). Access rules and costs vary.

Write-in candidate: A candidate whose name isn't printed on the ballot and whom voters must write in. Many places require write-in candidates to register in advance.

Definitions are general. Your state may use different names or rules, so confirm with your election office.