As the federal election approaches in May () candidates across Australia are ramping up their rhetoric and promises.
But if you're unimpressed by what's on offer so far, here's how you can ditch the major parties and run as an independent.
Who is eligible to run?
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is the government agency in charge of organising the country's federal elections.
It lays out eligibility rules for both the Lower House (the House of Representatives) and The Upper house (the Senate).
To nominate for either house, you must be at least 18 years old, be an Australian citizen and be either enrolled or eligible to be enrolled on the Commonwealth electoral roll.
Question Time in the House of Representatives. Source: Getty
What's stopping you?
There are certain things that can disqualify a candidate.
You cannot nominate if you are a member of a state or territory parliament unless you have resigned before the hour of nomination.
And you cannot nominate if you are disqualified by Section 44 of the Constitution () and have not remedied that disqualification before nomination.
Examples of this include being a citizen or subject of a foreign power, serving a prison sentence of 12 months or more, being undischarged bankrupt or insolvent, holding an office of profit under the Crown (e.g. public servant) or being a permanent member of the Australian Defence Force.
Section 44 has in recent years.
Voters at Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club. Source: AAP
Phil Diak of the AEC said as a result, there's been a change to the application process.
"At this federal election, it will be mandatory to fill in a qualification checklist that relates to eligibility under Section 44 ... [This was] recently passed by law as compulsory," he told SBS News.
"Where applicable, it will require documentation to support a contention that a person has renounced or lost foreign citizenship."
100 supporters and $2,000
If you're eligible, it's now time to start the paperwork. And, as the , it's quite a process.
There are separate forms for the House of Representatives and the Senate. They ask questions including place of residence, occupation and whether you have been endorsed by a political party.
It's against the law to include false or misleading information in a nomination form.
"The maximum penalty for this offence is imprisonment for 12 months, $12,600, or both," AEC material says.
Candidates will also need to find 100 people willing to back their bid.
Bob Katter with his ballot papers in 2016. Source: AAP
"You need to include on the form at least 100 nominators, who are on the electoral roll and have signed off to that fact. It's quite an important requirement so you need to get organised to do that," Mr Diak said.
"The intent here is to demonstrate you have some support for nominating."
Then there is the cost.
The last election required a $1,000 deposit to run for the House of Representatives and a $2,000 deposit for the Senate.
This election, it's a $2,000 deposit for each house.
"The deposit will be returned to the person who paid the amount, or someone authorised by that person in writing, if the candidate is elected or receives at least four per cent of the formal first preference votes, or is part of a Senate group that receives at least four per cent of the formal first preference votes," AEC material says.
Australian Greens Senators react after the passing of the Medevac Bill. Source: AAP
"All unsuccessful candidates not meeting these criteria forfeit their deposit."
Where do I sign?
Candidates are unable to lodge their nomination until after the writ for the election has been issued - when the election timetable officially commences.
From that point, the time period for nominations will be announced. This could be between 10 - 27 days.
With such a narrow window, Mr Diak urged potential politicians to get organised ASAP.
"It's important to do your prior work or thinking or make a decision now, he said.
