How are candidates chosen to appear on the ballot?

Answer 1

they won their parties primary election several months earlier

Answer 2

Candidates are typically chosen to appear on the ballot through a combination of processes, such as party nominations, primary elections, or signature collection. Political parties may select their candidates through internal processes, while primary elections allow voters to select their preferred candidate from a party's choices. Independent candidates may have to collect a certain number of signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot. The specific rules and requirements vary according to local election laws and regulations.