(ConservativeHub.com) – Joseph Maldonado-Passage, publicly known as “Joe Exotic,” said on June 19 that he had sent in paperwork with the intention to secure a spot on Colorado’s 2024 Democratic presidential primary ballot. However, it seems like his spot on the ballot isn’t set in stone yet, despite his initial claims.
Maldonado-Passage, 60, is currently serving a 21-year sentence after he was convicted in a murder-for-hire plot. He also starred in the 2020 Netflix documentary “Tiger King.” While Maldonado-Passage said he’s joining the presidential race, he is not expected to be released from prison until after the 2024 presidential election is over. This would mean that he needs to run his entire presidential campaign from within the prison walls.
The law currently does not prevent convicted people from running for President while in prison. Constitutionally, the only requirements for someone to join the presidential race are for them to be 35 years or older, a natural-born citizen, and a resident in the country for 14 years.
In order to get on the ballot in Colorado, a candidate is required to submit a notarized statement of intent and a nonrefundable $500 filing fee at least 85 days before the primary election. Maldonado-Passage claimed that while Colorado was his starting point he was planning on joining the ballot in all 50 states.
In terms of his platform, Maldonado-Passage has stated that he would focus on federal marijuana decriminalization and Bureau of Land Management reform. He has also criticized the justice system and former President Donald Trump for not doing anything to help fix it. He also slammed Trump for pardoning rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black just so he would get more votes.
Although Maldonado-Passage said he filed paperwork and that he was on the ballot, the Colorado secretary of state’s office said on June 20, according to Fox 31, that it hasn’t been completed yet. Apparently, the office is sending back paperwork and payment sent by Maldonado-Passage along with proper instructions about how to get on the ballot.
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