In a recent development, Cornel West, an independent presidential candidate, faced a setback in his efforts to be listed on the ballot for the upcoming elections in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. On Thursday, the Supreme Court declined to hear West’s emergency appeal, a decision made by Justice Samuel Alito, who is responsible for overseeing such appeals from the state.

Cornel West, known for his progressive views and academic background as a professor of philosophy and Christian practice at Union Theological Seminary in New York, is believed to potentially siphon off more votes from Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris than from former Republican President Donald Trump. Interestingly, West’s legal team comprises members with significant ties to the Republican Party, adding a layer of complexity to his candidacy.

This latest refusal from the Supreme Court follows a similar decision earlier this month by U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. While Ranjan indicated that he understood West’s position, he ultimately concluded that it was too late to modify the ballots or to retest the election machinery, as such actions could elevate the potential for mistakes. Ranjan referenced a federal guideline that cautions courts against interfering with elections that are set to take place shortly unless there is a compelling justification to do so.