
A federal judge has ruled that Cornel West, a progressive candidate running for president, has suffered “irreparable harm” after being denied access to the Pennsylvania ballot. Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan determined that Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt’s actions likely violated West’s First Amendment rights, but the court decided against putting West back on the ballot due to time constraints.
Ranjan emphasized that keeping West off the ballot caused him significant harm, particularly because of his limited ability to participate in the election. The court noted that over one million mail-in ballots had already been distributed, with over 137,000 returned. With Election Day so close, Ranjan explained that making changes now could confuse voters and disrupt the process.
The court also raised concerns about Pennsylvania’s election laws, which impose extra challenges on minor-party candidates. West’s campaign was required to pay a $4,200 filing fee, which major-party candidates are not subject to. These additional hurdles contributed to the “irreparable harm” West experienced, according to the judge.
Despite recognizing the damage done, the court followed previous Supreme Court rulings, which discourage changing election laws too close to Election Day. Federal courts are advised not to interfere in state election processes that are already in progress.
West’s campaign has announced plans to appeal the decision. Spokesman Edwin DeJesus said the ruling is an attack on voter choice and the democratic process. He warned that this decision could set a precedent for future independent candidates facing similar obstacles.
Democrats have been concerned that West’s candidacy could take votes away from Kamala Harris, especially in key swing states like Pennsylvania. Efforts to block his access to the ballot have been part of a broader strategy to protect Harris’ electoral chances.