Prominent state executive candidates (2016)

Ballotpedia carefully considers a number of criteria when analyzing campaigns and identifying prominent candidates in a given election. While these judgements are ultimately made on a case-by-case basis, some examples of these criteria are included below:

• Poll at five percent or more.
• Have published campaign information.
• Participate in public forums or debates.
• Receive significant media attention.
• Actively fundraise.
• Have been targeted by outside interest groups.

Given the vastly different political climates in each state, Ballotpedia also considers:

• Polls or academic analyses of the current political leaning of a state.
• Past elections wherein independent or third party candidates garnered a significant percentage of votes in a general election.

Have suggestions or comments on these criteria? Tell us!