Candidate facts for kids

A candidate (sometimes called a nominee) is a person who is being considered for something. This could be an award, a special honor, or a spot in a group. For example, in an election, people choose one or more candidates from a list of options. The word "candidate" comes from a Latin word meaning "white." This is because in ancient Rome, men who wanted to be chosen for a public job would wear a special white toga (a type of robe) to make sure everyone noticed them.

What is a Candidate?

A candidate is simply someone who is put forward or suggested for a position, prize, or task. Think of it like trying out for a school play or a sports team. You are a candidate for that role or team.

Candidates in Elections

One of the most common places you hear about candidates is in elections. When people vote, they are choosing between different candidates. These candidates are often running for important jobs like president, mayor, or a spot in a government group.

Why Do People Become Candidates?

People become candidates for many reasons. Some want to help their community or country. Others might have new ideas they want to put into action. To become a candidate, a person usually needs to meet certain rules, like being a certain age or living in a specific area. They often have to gather signatures or be chosen by a political party.

The History of the Word 'Candidate'

The word "candidate" has a long history. It comes from the Latin word candidus, which means "white" or "bright." In ancient Rome, people running for public office wore a special white toga called a toga candida. This bright white clothing helped them stand out in a crowd and showed they were seeking a public role.

Candidates in Problem Solving

The idea of a candidate isn't just for people! Sometimes, the word is used in problem-solving. For example, in a game like chess, there are many possible moves you could make. Some of these are called "candidate moves." These are the best or most interesting moves that a player considers more carefully before deciding which one to make. It's like picking out the best options to look at closely.

Images for kids

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  A robot representing a candidate in a game or problem-solving scenario.

See Also

• In Spanish: Candidato para niños