The North Carolina Forward Party has publicly criticized a recent ruling by the North Carolina Board of Elections to exclude Democratic primary challengers to President Joe Biden from the primary ballot. The party has stated the decision raises concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.
In a Tuesday morning press release, the North Carolina Forward Party criticized both the North Carolina Board of Elections and the North Carolina Democratic Party over the recent ruling. The party described it as running counter to the principles of a democratic process and undermining the core tenets of a fair electoral system. The party also accused state Democrats of a “clear violation of democratic principles,” asserting that their actions erode public trust and were akin to a “partisan power play.”
“The North Carolina Forward Party firmly believes in political pluralism and the importance of a democratic process that represents the interests of all citizens. The decision to permit the exclusion of candidates from the primary ballot goes against these principles and undermines the very essence of a fair electoral system,” the release stated.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections recently released a list of confirmed presidential primary candidates from three parties within the state. These lists include ten candidates from the Libertarian Party, seven from the Republican Party, and only one candidate from the Democratic Party, which is President Joe Biden. Notably, the Green Party, though eligible to submit a list, opted not to do so.
While several Democrats are challenging Joe Biden in various states, he faces two nationally organized challengers in Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and former 2020 contender Marianne Williamson.
Readers of Independent Political Report can view a full copy of the press release below:
The North Carolina Democratic exclusion is not absolute. A Democrat can also get on the 2024 primary ballot by filing 10,000 signatures. That is very severe and not good policy, but the press release still ought to mention that alternative.