A federal judge ruled that Cornel West, a progressive presidential candidate, suffered “irreparable harm” when Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt blocked him from appearing on the ballot. However, despite acknowledging that West’s First Amendment rights were likely violated, Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan declined to reinstate West due to the short time remaining before the election.
The judge noted that the harm done to West was significant because of the restrictions placed on minor-party candidates. Ranjan pointed out that more than one million mail-in ballots had already been distributed in Pennsylvania, and over 137,000 voters had returned their ballots. With Election Day just around the corner, the court explained that it would be too disruptive to alter the ballot.
Ranjan’s ruling also brought attention to the additional requirements imposed on third-party candidates in Pennsylvania, including a $4,200 filing fee that major-party candidates like Democrats and Republicans do not have to pay. The court indicated that these election laws contributed to the “irreparable harm” West faced by being kept off the ballot.
While the judge expressed concerns about the fairness of these laws, he followed the guidance of previous Supreme Court rulings, which discourage courts from intervening in state elections close to Election Day. The decision emphasized the need for election rules to remain clear and consistent as the election draws near.
West’s campaign responded to the ruling by announcing plans to appeal. Campaign spokesman Edwin DeJesus called the decision an attack on voter choice and warned that it could limit ballot access for future independent candidates.
Democrats have been actively working to block West’s ballot access, fearing his candidacy could take votes away from Kamala Harris. Pennsylvania, a critical swing state, has been a key focus of these efforts as the general election approaches.
