Why You Can't Vote 'Uncommitted' in Illinois

Across the country, hundreds of thousands of voters have opted not to vote for a candidate in the Democratic primary as a way to protest President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel–Hamas war. Ahead of Election Day in Illinois next week, here is what to know.

The Movement Started in the Midwest

Arab and Muslim organizers in Michigan encouraged Democratic voters to select “uncommitted” over Biden on their ballots to put pressure on the White House to call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. And other states — like Minnesota and Hawaii — have followed suit, according to NPR.

But You Can’t Vote ‘Uncommitted’ in Illinois

Voters here won't see an "uncommitted" option on their ballots. But organizers say Illinoisans can still take part in the movement. Stephanie Skora of the Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide says Illinoisans can participate in two ways depending on how elections are run in their counties:

• Write in “Gaza” when you’re voting for president.
• Leave the race blank.

Why Not Just Pull a Nonpartisan Ballot?

Voters wouldn’t be able to weigh in on other important races like the state’s attorney, circuit court clerk, U.S. Congress, and judges, Skora said.

“This is where politics happens in this county — the contested elections are on the Democratic ballot. The winners of these elections in November are going to be the people who are elected on the March Democratic ballot,” Skora said.

Will ‘Uncommitted’ Delegates be at DNC?

While participating in the protest vote is largely symbolic in Illinois, some states with enough “uncommitted” votes can send “uncommitted” delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer.

“I don't think that anybody is laboring under the delusion that 'uncommitted' delegates are going to be the majority of delegates at the convention,” Skora said. “But even having a handful of them there is impactful because that gives an actual voice on the convention floor.”