Ballot access refers to the legal requirements and processes that candidates must meet to appear on an election ballot. These requirements can vary significantly by state and may include collecting a certain number of signatures from registered voters, paying filing fees, or meeting specific eligibility criteria. The goal of these regulations is to ensure that only qualified candidates can run for office. Different political parties, including major ones like the Democratic Party and Republican Party, as well as smaller parties, must navigate these rules to gain access to the ballot. The challenges of ballot access can impact the diversity of candidates and the overall democratic process, influencing voter choice in elections.