paper candidate

A candidate representing a political party who seems highly unlikely to win, and although they are standing for office in good faith, may not be intending to campaign hard either. They usually do not have many resources, and may be political newcomers (or has-beens who are reluctant to leave politics). Their own organizations may not be willing or able to offer much support. As a result, they are usually not very visible on the campaign trail beyond putting up a few signs. In Quebec, the term for this type of candidate is “poteau” (post or pole), referring to signage on fenceposts or utility poles. Some may not campaign at all, just appearing on the ballot (“name on ballot”/NoB). Often this situation arises when a national political party wants to maintain its profile by running candidates in every district across the country, even ones that have traditionally shown little support.

This is not the same thing as a person who decides to run (or is manipulated into entering the race by other interests) in order to split the vote and prevent someone else from winning. An example of that from fiction is Willie Stark’s first gubernatorial campaign in “All The King’s Men”.

"When I went to vote today, I noticed Bob Aardvark's name at the top of the ballot. I didn't see him out campaigning and we didn't even get any campaign literature from him during the election. He must be a paper candidate. Wouldn't it be funny if a lot of people just voted for the first name they saw, and he got in~"