In a significant legal victory for democracy, Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s voter suppression efforts have been overturned by the state’s Court of Claims. Judge James Robert Redford issued a final order on August 24, 2024, mandating that Cornel West and Abdullah be included as independent candidates on the Michigan ballot for the upcoming election.

The court’s ruling came after a series of legal challenges aimed at ensuring that West and Abdullah were not unfairly disqualified from the ballot. The plaintiffs had sought a writ of mandamus, declaratory judgment, and various injunctions to protect their candidacies, citing concerns over potential suppression of independent voices in the election process.

Judge Redford’s ruling specifically addressed these concerns, denying the plaintiffs’ claims for injunctive relief in two of the consolidated cases but granting the writ of mandamus in favor of West. This crucial decision requires the state defendants to qualify West and Abdullah for the ballot, provided that the Board of State Canvassers does not find them disqualified after reviewing the signatures on their qualifying petitions and ensuring compliance with relevant Michigan election laws.

This ruling marks a setback for those seeking to limit ballot access for independent candidates and underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic principles. The court’s decision ensures that Michigan voters will have the opportunity to consider a broader spectrum of candidates in the upcoming election, reinforcing the notion that “all political power is inherent in the people,” as enshrined in the Michigan Constitution.

This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing legal battles surrounding election integrity and ballot access, and it highlights the importance of judicial oversight in upholding the democratic process.