By Craig Mauger
The Detroit News Cornel West bulletin news
(The Detroit News) — Independent presidential candidate Cornel West has been disqualified from the state’s ballot because of problems with the way a required document his campaign submitted was notarized, the Michigan Bureau of Elections announced Friday.
West, a longtime liberal activist, academic and author, had turned in petitions in hopes of appearing on the ballot in Michigan as an alternative to the major party candidates. But West’s affidavit of identity “was not notarized in compliance with the laws of the state where it was notarized,” which was Colorado, according to a Friday letter to West from Jonathan Brater, Michigan’s elections director.
Notaries traditionally verify documents and certify that the person signing them was in their presence as the signature was executed.
However, according to Brater’s letter, Dana L. Manning, the notary for West’s affidavit, “failed to identify what notarial act was being performed.” Plus, Manning’s notary stamp was on a separate page from the affidavit and Manning’s signature to certify the document, according to the letter.
The document also featured “unfilled blanks,” and the notary certificate failed to include Manning’s title of office, Brater wrote.
Cornell West bulletin news
“After reviewing your affidavit of identity and contacting the Colorado Secretary of State for guidance, weconcluded that the notarization attempt by Dana L. Manning does not conform with Colorado law in atleast four respects,” Brater’s letter explained.
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Because of the “improper notarization,” the Michigan Bureau of Elections was “required by law to disqualify you,” Brater added in his message to West.
West’s campaign is “committed to fighting these legal maneuvers in court and ensuring that the electorate has the opportunity to hear from a truly progressive alternative that champions the human rights of the poor and working class,” said Edwin DeJesus, a campaign spokesman.
“We are confident that these accusations will be seen for what they are — frivolous and unfounded attempts to stifle opposition and debate,” DeJesus said.
A challenge to West’s affidavit had been submitted on July 23 by Mark Brewer, a longtime election lawyer and former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, according to Brater’s letter.
The Bureau of Elections operates within Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office.
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Cornell West bulletin news