Arizona cease-fire activists use Marianne Williamson as their primary vessel
In the absence of options like the “uncommitted” ballot line in Michigan, Arizona activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza are using Marianne Williamson as a vessel.
PHOENIX — In the absence of protest vote options like the “uncommitted” ballot line in Michigan, Arizona activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza are harnessing a new vessel for their message: Marianne Williamson.
Tuesday’s Arizona Democratic primary is largely symbolic, given President Joe Biden has already clinched his party’s nomination, according to NBC News’ projections. But activists hope to use Williamson’s continued presence on the state ballot to send a message to the Biden administration about its policy toward Israel.
“We’re not delusional and thinking she may win. That’s not the point,” said Belén Sisa, 30, one of the organizers behind Vote Ceasefire AZ, the group pushing Arizonans to cast their ballots for Williamson.
“We want to take those votes away to send a very clear and measurable message to the Biden administration to say: ‘You need these votes in November. And if you want us to vote for you, then you need to do better and call for a cease-fire,’” Sisa said.
Dan O’Neal, a volunteer for Vote Ceasefire AZ, makes phone calls during a phone banking session encouraging Arizonans to vote for Marianne Williamson.Alex Tabet / NBC NewsElection rules vary state by state, which means the “uncommitted” option available in the Minnesota and Michigan primaries doesn’t exist on Arizona’s primary ballot. And without a write-in option, organizers have opted to back Williamson.
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