Cornel West Denied Ballot Access in Pennsylvania

A Michigan judge ruled that independent presidential candidate Cornel West must be included on the state’s ballot, overturning previous rejections due to technicalities in his candidacy paperwork. Judge James Robert Redford mandated West and his running mate, Melina Abdullah, qualify for the ballot, provided their signatures are verified. Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, West faced a legal setback as a judge ruled against his candidacy, citing missing affidavits for 14 of his 19 electors, a decision supported by the state’s Secretary of State. This ruling highlights ongoing partisan efforts to challenge third-party candidates, as both major parties aim to consolidate their bases ahead of the tight November election. West's campaign has indicated plans to appeal the Pennsylvania decision, while the situation has drawn criticism for perceived hypocrisy in the Democrats' claims of supporting democracy. Similar challenges have also affected other independent candidates, showcasing the hurdles faced by third-party entrants in the electoral process.