Independent presidential candidate Cornel West’s appeal to feature on Pennsylvania’s ballot was declined by the Supreme Court. Justice Samuel Alito’s refusal follows a lower court ruling citing procedural failures in West's nomination. The decision occurs close to Election Day, complicating West’s campaign as he argues that Pennsylvania's regulations hinder ballot access for minors. His legal team claimed this restriction violates First Amendment rights, while opposition courts maintained that changes so close to elections risk voter confusion. The ruling accentuates broader concerns about third-party candidates' visibility in key battleground states.