Presidential candidates Cornel West and Claudia De la Cruz have been disqualified from running for president in Georgia, according to rulings by two state court judges on Wednesday. The judges stated that their electors failed to submit the necessary paperwork.
The decision means that, for now, the votes for West and De la Cruz will not be counted in Georgia. This applies even if their names are still on the ballots since it is too late to remove them. The mailing of military and overseas ballots is set to begin on Tuesday.
Judges Thomas A. Cox Jr. and Emily Richardson of the Fulton County Superior Court have issued an order for the state to display notices in polling places. These notices will serve as a warning to voters that candidates West and De la Cruz have been disqualified. It is important for voters to be aware that any votes cast for these candidates will be considered void. This is a standard procedure in Georgia for addressing late changes in election candidacy.
West is currently running as an independent candidate in Georgia, while De la Cruz, although officially nominated by the Party of Socialism and Liberation, also qualified for the Georgia ballot as an independent.
In the upcoming election, Georgia voters will have a variety of presidential choices. The options include Republican candidate Donald Trump, Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver, and Green Party nominee Jill Stein. This election will have the most candidates since the year 2000.
West and De la Cruz have announced their intention to appeal the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court, according to their respective spokespersons.
Edwin DeJesus from the West campaign expressed strong confidence in winning the appeal.
“We are challenging this decision, which undermines the fundamental democratic rights of the people of Georgia to choose their preferred candidate,” stated Estevan Hernandez, co-chair of De la Cruz’s campaign in Georgia. He further added, “This ruling is a direct consequence of the Democratic Party’s attempt to hinder the democratic rights of Georgia voters, even as they claim that the upcoming 2024 election is centered around democracy itself.”
In the ongoing saga of ballot access for independent and third-party candidates in Georgia, Wednesday’s rulings brought another twist. An administrative law judge initially disqualified West, De la Cruz, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Georgia Green Party from the ballot. However, Raffensperger, who has the final say on such matters, overruled the judge’s decision and granted West and De la Cruz access to the ballot.
According to Raffensperger, Stein should be included in Georgia ballots as per the new Georgia law. This decision was made based on the fact that the national Green Party had qualified her in at least 20 other states.
Kennedy withdrew his candidacy in Georgia and several other states after suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump.
Democrats have challenged Raffensperger’s decisions regarding West and De la Cruz and have filed a new action to contest his decision on Stein. Their goal is to prevent candidates who could potentially draw votes away from Harris, especially after Joe Biden’s narrow victory in Georgia by less than 12,000 votes in 2020.
The judge concurred with the Democrats’ assertions that according to state law, a petition with the necessary 7,500 signatures from registered voters should have been filed by one of West’s electors in their own name. However, the petition was only filed under West’s name.
The 2024 Election: What You Need to Know
The 2024 election is just around the corner, and it’s important to stay informed about what’s happening. From the candidates to the issues at hand, there’s a lot to keep up with. Here are some key points to help you navigate the upcoming election.
1. Candidates: The 2024 election will see a new set of candidates vying for the presidency. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with their backgrounds, policies, and vision for the future. Take the time to research each candidate and understand their stance on important issues.
2. Campaigns: The election season is marked by campaigns, with candidates traveling across the country to rally support and gain votes. Pay attention to the campaign strategies employed by each candidate and the messages they are conveying to the public. This will give you insight into their priorities and campaign promises.
3. Issues: The 2024 election will revolve around a range of pressing issues. From the economy to healthcare, climate change to national security, it’s important to understand where each candidate stands on these matters. Look for comprehensive policy proposals and consider how they align with your own values and priorities.
4. Voter Registration: If you want to participate in the 2024 election, make sure you are registered to vote. Check your voter registration status and update any necessary information. Voting is a crucial part of the democratic process, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your voice heard.
5. Debates: The presidential debates are a key component of the election process. They provide a platform for candidates to articulate their positions, challenge their opponents, and engage in discussions on important issues. Make sure to watch the debates and critically analyze the arguments presented by each candidate.
6. Media Coverage: Stay informed by following reliable news sources that provide unbiased coverage of the election. Avoid relying solely on social media or partisan outlets, as they may not present a balanced view. Seek out diverse perspectives and fact-check information to ensure you have an accurate understanding of the candidates and their policies.
7. Get Involved: Beyond voting, there are other ways to get involved in the election process. Consider volunteering for a campaign, attending local political events, or engaging in discussions with others about the election. Your participation can make a difference and help shape the future of our country.
As the 2024 election approaches, it’s important to stay informed and actively participate in the democratic process. By understanding the candidates, the issues, and the importance of your vote, you can ensure that your voice is heard and contribute to the shaping of our nation’s future.
Cox wrote that although Dr. West only required one presidential elector to meet the qualifications for ballot access, none of his candidates fulfilled the necessary requirements.
De la Cruz faced a similar ruling by Richardson.
Democrats and allied groups have recently filed challenges to third-party and independent candidates in Georgia, along with several other states.
Republicans in Georgia have taken action to ensure that all candidates remain on the ballot. This is part of a wider effort by Republicans in battleground states to support liberal third-party candidates like West and Stein, with the aim of undermining Harris. The source of funding for this effort is unclear, but it could have an impact in states where the 2020 election was decided by very slim margins.
