Democrats Move to Shape Wisconsin Ballot for Harris’ Benefit

Democrats Move to Shape Wisconsin Ballot for Harris's Benefit

The Democratic National Committee is moving to block Jill Stein from appearing on the Wisconsin ballot, aiming to consolidate votes for Kamala Harris.

At a Glance

  • A Democratic National Committee (DNC) employee filed a complaint to remove the Green Party’s presidential candidate from the Wisconsin ballot.
  • The Green Party’s presence on the ballot could impact the swing state of Wisconsin, where recent elections have been decided by narrow margins.
  • The complaint argues the Green Party cannot nominate presidential electors in Wisconsin, a requirement for ballot access.
  • Removing Stein from the ballot could benefit the Democratic Party by consolidating pro-Palestinian votes.

Democrats Move to Block Jill Stein in Battleground Wisconsin

In an effort to solidify a stronghold in Wisconsin, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has taken steps to block Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, from appearing on the state’s ballot. This maneuver aims to consolidate votes for Kamala Harris by redirecting votes from progressive and pro-Palestine groups towards her campaign.

Dr. Jill Stein is expected to be the Green Party’s presidential nominee. Her platform includes progressive stances such as codifying Roe v. Wade, abolishing student debt, and supporting the Equality Act, which appeal to many voters. The DNC’s move comes after David Strange, the deputy operations director in Wisconsin, filed the complaint that challenges the Green Party’s ability to nominate presidential electors in the state.

The Stakes in a Critical Swing State

Wisconsin, a crucial battleground state, has a history of tight races. In the 2016 election, Jill Stein received over 30,000 votes in Wisconsin—more than enough to exceed Donald Trump’s narrow winning margin of about 27,000 votes. This history underscores the potential impact that Stein’s presence on the ballot could have on the upcoming election.

The Green Party has successfully qualified for ballot access due to their performance in a 2022 statewide race, as approved by the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission. However, state law mandates that electors must be state officers or legislative candidates, a criterion that the Green Party allegedly does not meet. The DNC’s complaint, filed after the primary season, noted that the Green Party had not conducted write-in campaigns for legislative candidates.

Potential Impact on the Democratic Vote

The DNC’s strategy aims to prevent vote-splitting within the progressive faction. Many of Stein’s supporters could be inclined to vote for Harris if Stein were not an option, particularly due to her progressive positions. This move is further underscored by concerns within the Democratic Party that Stein and other third-party candidates could draw votes away from Harris, potentially benefiting Trump’s campaign.

Jill Stein could be the deciding factor, just as she was in 2016 when her votes exceeded Trump’s margin of victory, observed a political analyst. This concern is not unfounded; recent polls indicate a closely contested race between Harris and Trump in Wisconsin, with third-party candidates holding minimal but potentially pivotal support.

Removing Jill Stein from the ballot is not about democracy; it is about silencing a voice that challenges the status quo, commented Stein’s campaign manager. Such sentiments emphasize the tensions and high stakes in this battleground state, where every vote could determine the election’s outcome.

Conclusion: A Tactical Decision with High Implications

As the Wisconsin Elections Commission prepares to decide on the status of additional independent candidates such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, the decision regarding Jill Stein’s ballot access remains a critical point of contention. This move showcases the Democrats’ broader strategy of consolidating the progressive vote to ensure a more unified front in the upcoming election.

Whatever the commission decides, one thing is clear: the political maneuvers in Wisconsin underscore the intense focus on swing states and the intricate strategies employed by parties to secure every possible advantage.

Sources

1. Dems try to block Green Party candidate from presidential ballot in major swing state

2. Democrats try to block Green Party from presidential ballot in Wisconsin, citing legal issues

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