(USNewsBreak.com) – The primary and caucus season is well underway, with both parties having already received delegates from multiple states. However, this year is showing how divided the country is in terms of choosing a candidate with the results. In the most recent Democratic primary, many voters cast their ballots for “uncommitted” rather than a specific person.
What Does “Uncommitted” Mean?
When voters cast their ballots for who they want to see on the presidential ticket, they have options. This year, Republicans have a choice between former President Donald Trump and former US Ambassador Nikki Haley. On the Left, there’s President Joe Biden, US Rep. Dean Phillips, and author Marianne Williamson.
However, if voters are either unhappy with the choices or undecided between the candidates, they can cast their votes for “uncommitted,” meaning they’re not voting for any candidate. Typically, analysts categorize such choices as protest votes. While it’s not an uncommon practice, a much larger number of voters are casting “uncommitted” votes this year, shining a light on the skepticism surrounding the candidates, particularly Biden.
Michigan Votes
In Michigan, Biden managed to secure 81.1% of the vote. Only two others appeared on the ticket with him: Williamson and Phillips, who received 3% and 2.7% of the vote, respectively. However, 13.2% cast their ballots for “uncommitted.” It wasn’t a small number, either. More than 101,000 people issued what pundits are interpreting as a protest vote against Biden because of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In fact, the majority of those who voted “uncommitted” hail from the Arab-American and Muslim populations. A few weeks ago, activists launched a grassroots effort to show their objections to the White House’s support of Israel, which they are accusing of committing genocide. According to The Associated Press, over 30,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza. If he wants to win, Biden cannot afford to lose the support of the Muslim and Arab-American sectors.
In the Republican primary, where Trump secured 68.1% of the vote to Haley’s 26.6%, only 3% cast their ballots for “uncommitted,” highlighting the disparity. Yet, the difference doesn’t mean that Trump will win the state. He is also struggling with certain demographics, including those with college degrees and suburban voters. There’s also the matter of the felony charges against him and a portion of his voter base believing he is guilty of at least one or more crimes.
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