Start with the source’s label

A campaign filing and an official ballot can use party labels for different purposes. The same abbreviation may not carry the same meaning in every source or country. Read the full name, jurisdiction and record type before joining datasets or interpreting an affiliation.

Do not turn a filing count into a membership count

A list of candidates who reported a party affiliation is not a census of party members, a certified ballot roster or a measure of public support. Filings can include former candidates, different election stages and multiple cycles. Electionpedia keeps the record scope visible so a numerical comparison is not mistaken for an opinion poll.