Activists are rallying Democratic voters to choose or write in “uncommitted” on their ballots in upcoming primaries, inspired by a recent campaign in Michigan protesting President Biden’s management of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In Tuesday’s primary, over 100,000 voters in Michigan expressed their dissatisfaction with Biden by opting for an “uncommitted” ballot choice, highlighting the widespread frustration with the administration amid mounting demands for a cease-fire.
Now, advocates are advocating for similar protest votes in states such as Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Washington, aiming to intensify pressure on Biden to address their concerns or risk losing their support.
During a press conference for the “uncommitted” initiative, Dearborn, Mich., Mayor Abdullah Hammoud emphasized the pivotal decision facing the president. He underscored that Biden must choose between continuing to support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he labeled a “war criminal,” or listening to the concerns of residents nationwide.
The campaign behind the Michigan “uncommitted” vote, Listen to Michigan, revealed that similar efforts are underway in other states. Their goal is to send a unified message to Biden that his stance on the Gaza conflict could impact his support in the November elections.
Layla Elabed, campaign manager for Listen to Michigan, emphasized during a press call that the Gaza issue transcends Michigan and is a nationwide concern. She outlined plans to collaborate with other coalitions across the country to amplify their message to Biden.
