Opinion | You don’t want to vote for Joe Biden in Democratic primary on Super Tuesday? Here are your options

A Democratic activist offers strategies for voters in the uncontested 2024 presidential election on Super Tuesday

Editor’s note: Maryland Democrat Shukoor Ahmed has been actively engaged in the state’s electoral politics since the late 1990s, when he first ran for the House of Delegates in District 23. Over the years, he has supported and worked for various insurgent Democratic presidential bids, ranging from the campaigns of Bill Bradley to Bernie Sanders.

Unsatisfied with the options available to Democratic primary voters in this cycle, Ahmed filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections to run for delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Congressional District 5 as an “Uncommitted” candidate. As a perennial anti-establishment figure, Ahmed offers advice to Democratic primary voters who are dissatisfied with President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.

By Shukoor Ahmed

As voters prepare to participate in the upcoming primaries scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, it’s crucial to understand the dynamics of the election, particularly in states like Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Iowa, Main, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia where the presidential Democratic primary is uncontested. In this instance, voters are presented with unique considerations when exercising their right to vote.

Understanding the situation:

In the Democratic primary, voters may find themselves with only one candidate option, Joe Biden, due to the absence of other candidates such as Dean Phillips or Marianne Williamson, who may or may not be listed on the ballot.

Your voting options:

Support Joe Biden: If you align with Joe Biden’s platform, experience, and vision for the country, you can confidently cast your vote for him. Your vote signals your endorsement of his candidacy and policies.

No Preference: Should you find yourself undecided or dissatisfied with Joe Biden’s candidacy, you have the option to select “No Preference.” This choice signifies your neutrality in the race and is a valid expression of your stance.

Why I registered as ‘Uncommitted’ candidate for Democratic National Convention delegate (February 23, 2024)

Abstain: Alternatively, you may choose to abstain from voting in the Presidential Democratic Primary race. This decision could stem from various reasons, including disillusionment with the available options or a strategic decision to withhold your vote.

Write-in candidates: Depending on your state’s electoral regulations, you might have the opportunity to write in a candidate of your choice. This option allows you to voice support for an alternative candidate who is not officially on the ballot.

It’s crucial to note that while your options may appear restricted in this specific primary, you still possess the opportunity to express your stance by either abstaining or writing in a candidate, including your own name. This action can offer valuable insight to Joe Biden’s campaign, indicating that a certain percentage of Democratic voters harbor reservations about his policies, age, or the prospect of a rematch with Donald Trump.

Even if you believe there’s a limited choice at the top of the ballot, it’s crucial to understand the importance of showing up on March 5. Down-ballot races, including those for the board of education and local offices, carry significant weight.