Cornel West Cleared for Maine Presidential Ballot

Maine's ranked choice voting could influence 2024 election dynamics
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 21, 2024 9:39 AM CDT
Cornel West Cleared for Maine Presidential Ballot
Progressive activist Cornel West speaks during a demonstration prior to a march to the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Independent presidential candidate Cornel West will appear on Maine's ballot, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows decided Tuesday. This decision follows the withdrawal of a challenge to another candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the presence of multiple third-party candidates is noteworthy due to Maine's use of ranked choice voting. Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, and those rankings determine the winner in the event no one candidate secures a majority of No. 1s.

Bellows acknowledged fraudulent signatures in West's nomination, but determined there were sufficient valid signatures to qualify him. She emphasized that "the bad actions of one should not impugn the valid First Amendment rights of the many." The inclusion of multiple third-party candidates could shape the electoral landscape in Maine, where electoral votes are apportioned by congressional district.

Maine's split electoral vote system has historically favored Democratic statewide results, with the rural 2nd Congressional District twice opting for former President Trump. The entrance of candidates like West, a leftist academic and progressive activist, could alter the political dynamics. Republicans, particularly in Arizona and other states, support his candidacy amid concerns he might draw votes from Vice President Kamala Harris. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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