Nomination is part of the process of selecting a candidate for either election to an office, or the bestowing of an honor or award.
In the context of elections for public office, a candidate who has been selected by a political party is normally said to be the nominee of that party. The party's selection (that is, the nomination) is typically accomplished either based on one or more primary elections or by means of a political party convention or caucus, according to the rules of the party and any applicable election laws. A collection of nominees approved from the full list of candidates is usually known as a shortlist; public statements of support for a candidate's nomination are known as endorsements (see political endorsement and testimonial).
In some jurisdictions the nominee of a recognized political party is entitled to appear on the general election ballot paper. Candidates who are unaffiliated with any political party are typically required to submit a nominating petition in order to gain ballot access. In others all candidates have to meet nomination rules criteria to stand.
Candidate comes from the Latin word "candida" (white). In Ancient Rome, people running for political office would often wear togas chalked and bleached to be bright white. Such garments would be worn by candidates at speeches, debates, conventions, and other public functions.
In parliamentary procedure, there are a number of motions relating to nominations.