It’s no longer news that Kanye West has expressed interest in challenging Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential elections.
“We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION,” the born-again billionaire rapper tweeted as Americans marked Independence Day on 4th of July.
Although Kanye and his reality TV star wife, Kim Kardashian, has amassed millions of fans in the US, he might not stand a chance in some American states.
Why can’t Kanye West run for Presidency in every state?
West’s late entry into the Presidential race means he won’t have the chance to stand on either the Republican or Democrat party tickets.
Instead, he will have to run on the independent ballot, which has proved historically disastrous for past candidates.
While his celebrityhood and capital could eventually see him in the Oval Office, political pundits note his late entry into the game rules out a presidential run in several states.
With less than five months to go until the November 3 election, the deadline to register as a candidate has passed in some states.
Declaration dates for independents vary across the US, but six have now come and gone, according to Ballotpedia.
Another seven have their candidacy deadlines approaching, which could impact West’s path to the White House.
If he doesn’t move fast, by the end of July he may lose the ability to stand in more than a fifth of US states.
Currently, West cannot run as an independent in these states:
- North Carolina (independent registration required by March 3)
- Texas (independent registration required by May 11)
- New York (independent registration required by May 26)
- Maine (independent registration required by which required by June 1)
- New Mexico (independent registration required by June 25)
- Indiana (independent registration required by June 30)
The states of Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia all have their deadlines approaching this month.
He could still run on a write-in vote, but states often tally these together and include them under the “other” category in an election.
Even before he runs for president in any state, however, he must first register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
While the FEC doesn’t have a deadline for applications, there is no registered interest from anyone named Kanye West in the last five years.
The last person to register under his name was a Green Party candidate named “KANYE DEEZ NUTS WEST” in 2015.
The only current indication he will run this year is on his Twitter account, leading people to suspect the announcement is a publicity stunt and we know no other running vice president other than Caitly Jenner.
The rapper has a wealth of upcoming projects, with single Wash Us in the Blood and album God’s Country on the horizon.
He also announced he would partner with clothing company Gap Inc, bringing a new line of his Yeezy fashion brand to stores in 2021.
Others believe the rapper’s continued support for Donald Trump makes his announcement a bid to leech votes from Democratic nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden.
