Unexpected Decision Keeps Notable Figure Off Pennsylvania Ballot

Pennsylvania judge rules Cornel West ineligible for the state ballot in the upcoming election, dealing a blow to his presidential campaign.

At a Glance

Independent presidential candidate Cornel West lost a legal challenge to get on the ballot in Pennsylvania.
Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer ruled West’s candidacy paperwork was insufficient due to missing affidavits.
The Secretary of State’s office stated necessary affidavits were lacking for 14 of West’s 19 presidential electors.
The outcome highlights the challenges faced by third-party candidates in securing ballot access.

West’s Presidential Campaign Faces Setback

Independent presidential candidate Cornel West lost a significant legal challenge in Pennsylvania. Commonwealth Court Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer ruled that West’s paperwork did not meet state requirements to appear on the ballot. This decision is a considerable obstacle for West’s campaign, restricting his ability to garner support from Pennsylvania voters.

The Secretary of State’s office, under Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, pointed out that 14 of West’s 19 presidential electors had not filed the required affidavits. Judge Jubelirer, a Republican, supported this claim, emphasizing that even minor-party presidential electors are required to file affidavits.

The specific requirement for affidavits can be seen as part of broader election regulations that create hurdles for candidates not affiliated with major political parties. This ensures that all candidates comply with state laws, but it also underlines the restrictive nature of election regulations, which many third-party candidates find challenging.

Broader Implications and Partisan Maneuvering

This case reflects the partisan legal tactics employed in the run-up to the upcoming election. Legal actions surrounding third-party candidates are increasing as major party backers aim to influence the election’s dynamics. For instance, while West faced rejection in Pennsylvania, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his withdrawal from the state’s ballot and his decision to support Trump.

#ELB: “Democrats get a third-party hopeful knocked off Pennsylvania ballot, as Cornel West tries to get on” https://t.co/cl3LXKmzqM

— Rick Hasen (@rickhasen) August 22, 2024

The Green Party’s Jill Stein and the Libertarian Party’s Chase Oliver managed to submit their petitions without facing challenges. However, the Party for Socialism and Liberation plans to appeal a ruling that removed its candidate, Claudia De la Cruz, from Pennsylvania’s ballot.

“Independent presidential candidate Cornel West lost a legal challenge Friday in his bid to get on the ballot in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.” – CBS News

These events underscore the significant role of legal battles in determining third-party candidates’ presence on state ballots. This involvement affects voter choice and reflects the highly strategic nature of contemporary electioneering.

Next Steps and Potential Appeals

West’s lawyer has yet to decide whether to appeal Judge Jubelirer’s ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The campaign faces similar challenges in other states as well. However, West has seen some victories. For example, a state judge recently ruled that he must appear on voting ballots in Michigan, marking a win for his campaign there.

According to CBS, “The Secretary of State’s office said West’s campaign lacked the required affidavits for 14 of West’s 19 presidential electors.”

The disparities between states in how election laws are applied and enforced further complicate the landscape for third-party candidates. West’s ability to navigate these legal challenges will be crucial in determining his viability as a candidate in the forthcoming election.