A Michigan judge has ruled that independent presidential candidate Cornel West must be placed on the state’s ballot, a move that could significantly impact President Joe Biden’s vote share in this key battleground state. “Our children are now the unhealthiest, sickest children in the world,” Kennedy declared, emphasizing the serious health issues facing America’s youth.
Judge James Robert Redford ordered state officials to qualify West and his running mate, Melina Abdullah, as independent candidates. The decision comes after Michigan officials initially denied West access to the ballot due to notary issues with his paperwork. The ruling allows West’s campaign to proceed unless a review of petition signatures disqualifies him.
The Fair Election Fund, supporting West’s case, celebrated the ruling as a victory over what it called “voter suppression efforts” by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. West echoed these sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), calling the decision a win for democracy and for those fighting against corruption.
West’s inclusion on the Michigan ballot is seen as a potential threat to Biden’s support among progressive and independent voters. With Michigan playing a pivotal role in the upcoming election, the presence of a third-party candidate like West could tip the scales in an already tight race.
