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Federal Election Commission | United States of America

Gaining ballot access

State laws and procedures govern how candidates come to appear on election ballots. Contact the Secretary of State or appropriate election office for more information.

House or Senate candidates: Contact the Secretary of State or appropriate election office of the state or territory in which you seek election for more information.

Presidential candidates: Contact the Secretary of State or appropriate election office in each state and territory for information on the requirements to get on the ballot in that state or territory.

For a guide to state and territory offices, visit the federal and state election directory

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Get help from the FEC by phone or email

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Ballot Access

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Candidate registration

This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.