Similarly, in order to exclude frivolous candidates - in principle a valid objective – candidates may be asked to pay a deposit that will only be repaid if they secure a minimum number of votes. This is acceptable if the amount is small, but after a certain point it may make selection dependent on financial means, which must clearly be rejected. Similarly, where the state repays part or all of electoral expenses care must be taken to ensure that the conditions posed do not in practice prevent the reimbursement of individuals or small parties. The danger is that the various arrangements will have a cumulative effect so that the least well endowed will receive the least assistance. However this major topic falls outside the scope of this study.