In a recent decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge brought by a Democratic National Committee employee seeking to remove Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein from the state's ballot. This ruling allows Stein to remain a candidate in the crucial swing state of Wisconsin for the upcoming election.
The Democratic Party had raised concerns that third-party candidates like Stein could siphon votes away from Vice President Kamala Harris, potentially benefiting Republican Donald Trump in the state. Wisconsin has a history of close presidential elections, with the last six contests being decided by narrow margins.
The challenge against Stein was based on the argument that the Green Party did not have the necessary state officeholders or legislative candidates to nominate presidential electors in Wisconsin. However, the court determined that the petitioner was not entitled to the relief sought, without providing further explanation.
Both the Green Party and Republicans defended Stein's candidacy, asserting that all legal requirements had been met. Stein herself praised the court's decision, calling it a victory for justice.
Following the ruling, the Wisconsin Green Party criticized the Democratic Party's challenge as a sign of fear and expressed confidence in the legitimacy of Stein's candidacy. The decision to keep Stein on the ballot comes after a similar situation in 2020 when another Green Party candidate was excluded from the ballot.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission is set to finalize the list of candidates eligible to appear on the ballot, with challenges also being raised against independent candidates. The upcoming election in Wisconsin is expected to be closely watched, given the state's history of tight races and the potential impact of third-party candidates.
