A Michigan judge has ruled that independent presidential candidate Cornel West must appear on the state’s ballot.
in Verdict According to a statement released Saturday by the Fair Elections Fund, a watchdog group, Judge James Robert Redford ruled that “the state must certify” West and his running mate, Melina Abdullah, as independents in Michigan’s election.
Redford wrote in his ruling:
The state defendants are ordered to qualify West and Abdullah to appear on the ballot as independent candidates, provided that the State Board of Elections, after reviewing the petition signatures for qualification, does not determine that West and Abdullah are disqualified and West complies with MCL 168.590d(2).
Fair Elections Fund Written “Attempts at voter suppression” by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson “have been overturned, democracy has prevailed and Democrats have been defeated.”
“Judge Redford has ruled that @CornelWest must appear on the ballot in Michigan,” the group wrote in the post.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn BensonThe president’s attempt at voter suppression has been overturned, democracy has prevailed, and the Democrats have lost.
Judge Redford said, Cornel West It has to be on the ballot in Michigan. pic.twitter.com/EW7Ci6icG3
— Fair Elections Fund (@FairElectFund) August 24, 2024
Redford’s ruling came after the Michigan State Election Commission denied West access to his ballot, citing a notary issue. According to of The Washington Post.
West’s camp responded by announcing that it would appeal the ruling.
“Win in Michigan! We brought thousands of voices to the table and the Court listened, rejecting Democrats’ technical objections,” West wrote. post Regarding X. “This is a victory for democracy, for all those who fight for truth, justice and love. Forward!”
Victory for Michigan! We brought thousands of voices to the table and the Court listened, rejecting the Democrats’ technical objections. This is a victory for democracy, and a victory for all those who fight for truth, justice and love. Forward!#WestAbdullah2024 #Michigan #Don’t drop out… pic.twitter.com/AyGSWMtlWh
— Cornel West (@CornelWest) August 25, 2024
On Friday, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer sided with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s office, which rejected papers West had filed to run, and ruled that West cannot appear on the state’s ballot. According to of Washington Examiner.
Maine’s Secretary of State recently ruled that West would be allowed to appear on the ballot after Maine residents twice challenged his presence on the ballot.
