What is the difference between a political party and an independent candidate?

A political party is an organized group of people with shared beliefs or goals who work together to get their chosen candidates elected to public office. The party will usually have its own platform, membership, leadership, and fundraising efforts. In Virginia, two major political parties are recognized by the state: Democrat and Republican. An independent candidate is a candidate for public office who does not represent a political party. They are free to create their own platform and campaign strategy without the influence of a party. It is important to note that independent candidates are not affiliated with any other political party and must obtain the necessary signatures to be added to the ballot. The major difference between a political party and an independent candidate is that the former is organized and supports a collective platform while the latter is a single individual pursuing a personal agenda. Political parties are more likely to bring an established electoral base with them while independents rely solely on their own platforms and messages to gain support. Additionally, political parties have access to larger funding sources and more resources than independents.

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