The movement advocating for “uncommitted” primary votes as a message to President Biden has gained significant traction, with over 500,000 Americans across various states casting Democratic primary votes for options such as “Uncommitted,” “Uninstructed,” and “No Preference.”
Originating with the “Listen to Michigan” campaign, which amassed over 100,000 votes for the “uncommitted” option, this movement has evolved into a national phenomenon, securing at least 25 delegates and continuing to grow.
With the recent primaries, the total count for uncommitted options stands at 530,502 votes, with delegates secured from states like Minnesota, Hawaii, Michigan, and Washington. This movement highlights a substantial portion of the Democratic base urging for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza amid Israel’s deadly assault.
In Wisconsin, the campaign has made significant strides, drawing attention from Representative Mark Pocan, who emphasized its significance, particularly among University of Wisconsin–Madison students. The campus, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, displayed notable support for the “Listen to Wisconsin” coalition’s call for action through “uninstructed” votes.
Over 500,000 Democratic Voters Signal to Biden Support for Gaza Cease-fire! (Credits: The Japan Times)
This support underscores the urgency felt by many voters for a shift in American policy toward justice in Gaza. The turnout for the “uninstructed delegation” option in Wisconsin, especially in key precincts, rivaled Biden’s total vote count, indicating a significant message being sent to the President.
Wisconsin’s turnout for the “uninstructed delegation” option surpassed Biden’s 2020 victory margin, signaling a potential political shift. Dane County, a Democratic stronghold, saw almost 15 percent of voters casting “uninstructed” ballots, with substantial support in Madison precincts.
Even in Milwaukee County, the movement garnered over 12 percent of votes, indicating broad-based support beyond urban areas. Notably, rural regions like Viroqua also displayed significant backing for the movement, showcasing its reach across diverse demographics.
Actor Mark Ruffalo, a vocal supporter of efforts urging the Biden administration to support a Gaza cease-fire, highlighted the political significance of the nearly 50,000 “uninstructed” votes in Wisconsin. The sizable margin by which the movement surpassed Biden’s previous victory margin underscores its potential impact on future elections.
Over 500,000 Democratic Voters Signal to Biden Support for Gaza Cease-fire! (Credits: The Hills)
Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson echoed the sentiment, praising the state’s demonstration of democracy and a peace agenda across various constituencies. Elected officials and activists advocating for “uninstructed” voting stress the urgency of their call for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The movement extended beyond Wisconsin, with significant support seen in states like Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. In Connecticut, a coalition of activists pushed for the “uncommitted” option, emphasizing the importance of denouncing genocide in Gaza.
In New York, where no “uncommitted” option existed, voters were urged to leave their ballots blank as part of the “Leave It Blank” campaign, potentially garnering significant support. Similarly, in Rhode Island, the “uncommitted” option gained traction, backed by prominent figures like former state representative Aaron Regunberg, who highlighted the need for policy changes regarding Israel/Gaza to secure broader support for Biden’s candidacy in the future.
