FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 28, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Richmond, Virginia] – In an unprecedented and undemocratic move, the state of Virginia is attempting to remove Dr. Cornel West from the presidential ballot by changing the rules in the middle of an election season. This action not only undermines the integrity of the electoral process but also blatantly disregards the constitutional rights of voters and candidates alike.

Dr. Cornel West, who recently secured ballot access in Virginia after surpassing the state’s rigorous signature requirements, is now facing an unconstitutional challenge that threatens to strip voters of their right to choose a candidate who represents truth, justice, and love. The attempt to alter the rules during an ongoing election is a clear violation of democratic principles and raises serious concerns about the motivations behind such actions.

"This is an attack not just on our campaign but on democracy itself," said Dr. Cornel West. "Changing the rules in the middle of an election season is a direct assault on the rights of voters and the integrity of the electoral process. We are committed to fighting this unconstitutional maneuver and ensuring that the people of Virginia—and all Americans—have the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice."

Vice Presidential candidate Dr. Melina Abdullah added, "This blatant attempt to remove us from the ballot is a desperate move by those who fear the power of a movement rooted in truth, justice, and love. We will not be silenced, and we will not stand by while the democratic process is undermined." The West/Abdullah campaign is prepared to challenge this unconstitutional action in court and will continue to fight for the rights of every voter to have their voices heard. The campaign is calling on all supporters to stand with them in this critical moment and to help defend the fundamental principles of democracy.

"The attempt to change the rules at this stage is not only unconstitutional but also sets a dangerous precedent for future elections," said campaign spokesperson Edwin DeJesus. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that the people of Virginia have the right to vote for Dr. West in the upcoming election." The campaign urges all supporters and advocates of democracy to join in this fight against the unconstitutional actions being taken in Virginia. Together, we can uphold the integrity of our electoral process and ensure that every vote counts.

The West/Abdullah campaign has the signatures and minor party nominations it needs to get on the ballot in 17 states. This includes 6 of the battleground states: Michigan, Georgia, Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin and North Carolina. For more info, see our ballot access map.

About Dr. Cornel West

Dr. West, affectionately known to many as Brother West, is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary.

Dr. West is the former University Professor at Harvard University, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University and the first Black person to receive a Ph.D. In Philosophy from Princeton University. He has written 20 books and he is best known for his classics, Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and for his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. He delivered the historic Gifford lectures at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in Spring 2024.

Dr. West enters the 2024 Presidential contest at a time in which he describes a national crisis of moral bankruptcy and spiritual obscenity driven by a derelict duopoly of both major parties that equally places profits over people and the planet. West asserts that running as an Independent candidate affords him the opportunity and duty to deliver policy prescriptions incorporated by and for the people, instead of political parties beholden to corporations and special interest groups who feel no solidarity with poor and working-class people of all races, gender identities, and age groups.

The Cornel West Campaign to empower poor and working people everywhere stands at a pivotal moment in history, committed to being a true campaign for people around the globe. Our aim is and will always be to unite in solidarity with movements of truth and justice, who seek a choice beyond empire, white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, and the confines of the corporate-dominated two-party system.

About Dr. Melina Abdullah

Melina Abdullah is Professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA’s College of Ethnic Studies, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter - Los Ángeles and Black Lives Matter Grassroots, where she is also Director. She is a leader in the California Faculty Association (the faculty union), both locally and statewide, and mama of three. Dr. Abdullah earned her Ph.D. from University of Southern California in Political Science and her B.A. from Howard University in African American Studies. Abdullah has authored numerous articles and book chapters. Known by the moniker, Doc Melly Mel, she is creator, host, and producer of the radio programs Move the Crowd on KPFK 90.7 FM and This Is Not a Drill! on KBLA Talk 1580, and is a recognized expert on race, gender, class, and social movements. In April 2024, Abdullah was announced as vice-presidential pick for Dr. Cornel West in his run for president of the United States on a platform of “Truth, Justice, and Love.” She is the first Muslim to run for the vice-presidency.

Learn more about Cornel West at CornelWest2024.com. 

Learn more about Dr. West’s Policy Pillars at CornelWest2024.com/Platform.

For more details and press inquiries, please contact [email protected].