How is a Representative nominated and elected?
House candidates of major political parties are nominated by primary election in most states. Some states also provide for a party convention or committee recommendation in conjunction with a primary. In many states, no primary election is held for a particular office if the candidate is unopposed for nomination. Minor party candidates in most states are nominated according to individual party rules and procedures. Independent candidates are nominated by self-declaration. Major party candidates are afforded automatic ballot access in all states, while minor party and independent candidates must meet various state requirements, such as submission of petition signatures of registered voters, in order to be placed on the general election ballot. Representatives are elected by plurality vote in the congressional district in which they are candidates. The only major exception to this rule in Federal general elections is found in the District of Columbia, which requires that a candidate rece
