Name recognition is a concept used in politics

Politics

Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...

 to describe the number of people who are aware of a politician

Politician

A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...

. It is considered an important factor in elections, as candidates with low name recognition are unlikely to receive votes

Votes

Votes are a people of Votia in Ingria, the part of modern day northwestern Russia that is roughly southwest of Saint Petersburg and east of the Estonian border-town of Narva. Their own ethnic name is Vadjalain . The Finnic Votic language spoken by Votes is close to extinction. Votians were one of...

 from people who only casually follow politics. Name recognition is also considered a major obstacle for challengers hoping to defeat incumbents. Incumbents are politicians who have already been elected to a particular office, and are now running for re-election to that same office. By definition, the fact that incumbents are already in office gives them name recognition. This proves to be a huge advantage over most challengers.

There are multiple ways candidates can increase their name recognition during the campaign. Radio and television advertisements are very effective. Additionally, yard signs can increase name recognition.