Erase Assistant won't let me enter my password (it is the correct password!)...I only want to erase everything from my iMac....

User byline iMac 24″, macOS 14.4 this would be an Apple Silicon Computer >. Right

Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings

If the Admin Account On this computer does not work during this procedure ?

Apple Silicon M1 / M2 /M3/ M4 Computer 

Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down

If using a Bluetooth Keyboard with Rechargeable Battery - Cable the Keyboard to computer for this unique purpose.

Do not  attempt a Restart to access this feature.

The computer Must be Shutdown and pause for about 10 seconds before moving forwards 

Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”

Click Options, then click Continue. 

Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal

Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces

Press Return key

Follow the prompts and remember the New Password