A Wisconsin ballot access controversy has reached new heights as Democrats make moves to remove third-party candidates from the November ballot, citing fears of vote splitting in this critical swing state.
These attempts to alter the ballot lineup are met with serious backlash from third-party hopefuls who claim such actions stifle voter choice and access, as the New York Post reports.
Wisconsin’s political landscape is highly competitive, with four of the last six presidential elections decided by less than a 1% margin, translating to approximately 20,000 votes. Critics argue that Democratic efforts targeting removal of Green Party candidate Jill Stein and other third-party contenders from the ballot are aimed at maximizing their own electoral fortunes.
In the 2016 election, Jill Stein was labeled a “spoiler candidate” by Democrats who claimed that her 30,000 votes contributed to Donald Trump’s victory in Wisconsin, thereby denying Hillary Clinton a win. This argument does not consider voters who would never back Trump or Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, underscoring the complexity of electoral dynamics.
Roy Martin, a disabled veteran from Gresham, Wisconsin, and a supporter of the Libertarian Party, expressed his disdain for the two-party system. Martin stated, “I’m tired of a two-party monopoly that doesn’t represent me,” reflecting a growing frustration among voters striving for more diverse political representation.
The Green Party's stance on the war in Gaza has emerged as a pivotal issue in this election cycle. The party is advocating for boycotts and economic sanctions against Israel and calls for the replacement of the Jewish state with a secular nation, stirring significant political debate. Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Democratic Presidential primary saw 48,000 protest votes cast by individuals unhappy with President Biden’s pro-Israel stance. This highlights the broader discontent among voters over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
In a recent ruling, the Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected a challenge from the Democratic National Committee aimed at removing Stein from the November ballot. This decision was celebrated by third-party advocates as a victory for ballot access and voter choice.
Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate Phillip Anderson criticized the Wisconsin Elections Commission for their attempts to remove third-party candidates based on their interpretation of election laws. Anderson’s statements reinforced the argument that every candidate should have the opportunity to be on the ballot without undue interference.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission’s maneuvers included efforts to remove the Green Party, Constitution Party, and Libertarian Party candidates while seeking to retain Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the ballot despite his request for removal. Such actions have further fueled the controversy surrounding ballot access in Wisconsin.
An Emerson College poll shows the presidential race in Wisconsin remains tight, with Trump holding a narrow 49% to 48% lead over Harris. This polling data underscores the high stakes in this battleground state and the potential impact of third-party candidates on the outcome.
Pete Karas, Wisconsin Green Party Elections chair, emphasized the perceived threat Democrats feel from Green Party candidates, noting, “You can count on [the Democrats] to challenge Green Party candidates’ ballot access, as they feel Greens will steal the vote from them.” Michael White, state co-chair of the Green Party, remarked that the war in Gaza is an issue of paramount importance for many Green Party supporters. He described feelings of being used and then sidelined by the Democratic Party, deepening the divide between third-party and mainstream political entities.
Roy Martin, highlighting his dissatisfaction with both major parties, shared his belief that the GOP exploits veterans for votes but prioritizes military spending alone. Martin’s comments exemplify the broader disenchantment with the current political duopoly. Anderson, reinforcing his commitment to fighting against “endless wars” and corruption in government, expressed his shock at the Wisconsin Election Commission’s actions, stating, “I rebel against the idea people are wasting their vote if they vote for a 3rd party.”
As Wisconsin approaches the November election, the battle over ballot access continues to underscore the complex interplay between major and third-party interests. The tension stemming from close polling and diverse voter priorities ensures that the debate over voter choice and election integrity will persist in this critical swing state.
