Nomination Day in an election is the designated day when candidates officially present themselves and submit their nomination forms to contest the election. It is the day when the list of candidates who will run in the election is finalized and announced publicly. The process usually involves submitting nomination papers, securing a certain number of endorsements from registered voters, and paying a nomination fee. Key points about Nomination Day:
- It is specified in official election documents like the Writ of Election.
- It usually occurs several days to a few weeks after the election is announced.
- Candidates must submit all required documentation and nomination fees by a certain deadline, often around midday on Nomination Day.
- The Returning Officer or electoral authority reviews the nominations, accepts valid candidates, and announces the official list.
- It marks the end of the nomination period and the start of official campaigning.
In different jurisdictions, the exact timing and rules may vary, but the core function of Nomination Day is to formalize the entry of candidates into the election process. For example, nominations may open at a set time (e.g., 11 a.m.) and close at noon on Nomination Day, and candidates must be nominated by a required number of electors. In summary, Nomination Day is the important procedural day that officially sets the slate of candidates for an election. It precedes Election Day and helps ensure all candidates meet legal and procedural qualifications to contest.