Federal Judge Denies Cornel West Ballot Access

Cornel West's request to be included on Pennsylvania's presidential ballot has been denied by U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, who acknowledged concerns about the state's election laws but ruled that it is too close to Election Day for changes. Ranjan noted that the restrictions imposed by Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt appear to disproportionately affect non-major party candidates and may violate the U.S. Constitution. West, a liberal academic and third-party candidate, is likely to draw more votes from the Democratic nominee than the Republican candidate. His legal team plans to appeal the decision, arguing that any ballot access is better than none. Ranjan emphasized the complications associated with altering ballots so close to the election, referencing prior Supreme Court guidance. The judge's ruling reflects ongoing tensions regarding ballot access for third-party candidates in the U.S.