Progressives urge Democrats to cast protest vote against Joe Biden in Georgia primary
Some liberal stalwarts want to use Tuesday’s Georgia presidential primary to send President Joe Biden a message about his policies toward Israel in the war in Gaza.
Georgia doesn’t have an “uncommitted” option on its Democratic primary ballot like Michigan, where roughly one-in-eight Democrats used the method to lodge a protest vote over Biden’s foreign policy. He has been working to negotiate a cease-fire and has been critical of Israel’s handling of the conflict while still supporting the longtime ally.
But the law does allow Georgians to cast blank ballots. That’s what happened during the 2022 U.S. Senate runoff, when some Republicans made their disgust with GOP nominee Herschel Walker known by showing up to the voting booth but not casting a vote for either Walker or Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock.
State Rep. Ruwa Romman, Georgia’s first Palestinian-American legislator, said the idea is spreading like “wildfire” in progressive circles ahead of next week’s primary.
“Phone banking organizers that have been calling members of Congress are now shifting to this,” the Duluth Democrat said. “It’s completely grassroots. I’ve never seen anything like it and hope that no matter the outcome people listen.”
Flyers are circulating among liberal and Muslim activists in Georgia that read: “Tell Biden, ceasefire now! Leave it blank on March 12.” Some encourage non-voters to post a #leaveitblank hashtag.
Biden supporters aren’t worried. The president plans a Saturday rally in metro Atlanta, and he’s certain to demolish the other two Democrats on the state’s ballot: Minnesota U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips and self-help author Marianne Williamson, who quit the race but relaunched her campaign last week.
“Elections are about choices and people have a right to do what they want to do on their primary ballot, and we know there’s a lot of time between now and November,” U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, the chair of the state Democratic Party, said in an interview.
“Georgia Democrats have been counted out before, and we’ll continue to show up in force to make sure we’re supporting the polices that deliver for all Georgians.”
Any signs of fissure within the party’s coalition is welcome news to the Republican front-runner, former President Donald Trump, and his allies, since Biden carried the state by fewer than 12,000 votes in 2020.
A version of this article originally appeared in Politically Georgia A.M. on March 4.
Election 2024 includes two primaries
The 2024 election year will include two primaries for voters in metro Atlanta and Georgia. The presidential primary is set for March 12, one week after Super Tuesday primaries in a number of states.
The second primary in Georgia will be May 21 for candidates seeking state and local offices and U.S. Congress. The ballot will also include candidates for county commission and the Georgia Legislature, among others, and some local referendums.
Presidential primary information: Candidate Issues Guide | Where do I vote?
Here are key dates for the state and local primary:
- March 4-8: Candidates file paperwork to qualify for the primary. See an updated list of candidates who have submitted paperwork.
- March 4: The first date voters can request absentee ballots.
- April 22: Voter registration deadline.
- April 29: Early in-person voting begins.
- May 21: Election day for the state and local primary. Runoff date would be June 18.
Learn more: Follow state and congressional election news, and the presidential race, on our Politics page. News about city and county elections is on the Metro Atlanta page. Coverage and information will also be found in AJC print and ePaper editions.
