The term used when a candidate must consent to accept a nomination if nominated is part of what process?

The correct answer is rooted in the understanding of the nomination process, which involves several steps required for a candidate to officially enter a race for elected office. When a candidate consents to accept a nomination if nominated, it signifies their willingness and readiness to compete for the position, reflecting a crucial aspect of the nomination process.

This process typically demands candidates to demonstrate their intention publicly and formally. Consent to nomination is a vital piece because it not only shows that the individual is interested in the position but also acknowledges the responsibilities and expectations that come with it. This affirmation can involve submitting a signed declaration or a similar form that indicates their acceptance should they win the nomination.

The other options do not encapsulate this specific action of a candidate acknowledging their readiness for a nomination in the context of an election. Filing candidacy primarily deals with the submission of documents to declare intention to run, while the petition process focuses on gathering support from voters through signatures. The submission of application is a more generalized term that could apply to various types of applications and does not specifically pertain to the process of seeking nomination from a political party or association. Thus, the nomination process distinctly highlights the requirement for candidate consent in the context of elections.