Democrats’ recent legal battles to exclude third-party candidates from ballots in key states, including Georgia, have drawn criticism for undermining the democratic process they claim to protect. Critics argue these actions reveal a deeper problem with how Democrats handle electoral competition.
On September 13, 2024, two third-party candidates, Cornel West and Claudia De la Cruz, were removed from the Georgia ballot after Democrats challenged their candidacies. The lawsuits cited issues with their paperwork. Green Party candidate Jill Stein, despite facing similar challenges, will stay on the ballot.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger had previously approved West and De la Cruz to appear on the ballot, only to see their eligibility questioned by Democrats. Raffensperger has criticized the actions of “partisan activists,” stressing his commitment to ensuring a fair electoral process.
De la Cruz had celebrated Raffensperger’s initial approval as a “victory for democracy,” arguing that the Democratic Party’s efforts to limit ballot access are designed to suppress alternative political voices. She contends that the party’s maneuvers are a threat to genuine democratic choice.
The removal of third-party candidates is part of a broader trend. Democrats have succeeded in challenging West in Michigan and have also targeted candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in various states. Despite Kennedy’s withdrawal, efforts to manipulate his ballot access continue.
Dennis Kucinich, a former Congressman from Ohio, has criticized these actions as indicative of a “cartel” mentality, suggesting that Democrats are manipulating the election process to maintain their control.
