Independent presidential candidate Cornel West's campaign has taken a significant step in its bid for the presidency by submitting signatures in Georgia, a crucial battleground state. Georgia's electorate includes a substantial coalition of Black voters, a demographic that West has actively sought to engage with.
West's campaign revealed on Friday that they have submitted over four times the required number of signatures needed to secure ballot access in Georgia. Independent presidential candidates in the state must gather 7,500 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.
In a statement, West's campaign emphasized that their signature collection effort in Georgia is part of a strategic approach to connect with diverse communities across the state. The campaign also outlined plans to focus on securing ballot access in other key battleground states, aiming to strengthen its national presence and influence.
Securing ballot access in Georgia and other critical states could potentially enable West, a prominent Black intellectual and progressive advocate, to attract Black and progressive voters away from President Biden in key regions. While Biden secured significant support from Black voters in the 2020 election, recent polls suggest a decline in his backing.
Currently, West is listed on the ballot in four states: South Carolina, Alaska, Oregon, and Colorado. With his campaign's latest move in Georgia, West is positioning himself to have a more substantial impact on the national political landscape.