Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections to remove his name from the state’s 2024 presidential election ballot. Despite suspending his campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump, Kennedy’s name remains on the ballot in key states like North Carolina, where the race is expected to be close.
RFK Jr. Sues to Remove Name from North Carolina Ballot
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken legal action against the North Carolina State Board of Elections in an effort to withdraw his name from the state’s 2024 presidential election ballot. Kennedy’s lawsuit argues that the board’s refusal to remove his name violates state election law and his right to free speech.
Background on Kennedy’s Campaign Suspension
Kennedy suspended his presidential campaign in August and endorsed Donald Trump. Since then, he has been trying to remove his name from ballots in closely contested states, including North Carolina, where his presence could influence the election outcome.
Board’s Decision and Impact on Ballots
The North Carolina State Board of Elections, with a Democratic majority, voted against Kennedy’s request, citing the fact that 67 out of 100 counties had already begun printing ballots. The board’s Executive Director, Karen Brinson Bell, explained that reprinting ballots would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Differing Opinions Within the Board
The board’s decision was not unanimous, with the two Republican members arguing that the board could have delayed the statutory deadline for absentee ballots to accommodate Kennedy’s request. However, the Democrats on the board maintained that it was too late in the process to make changes.
Potential Legal Outcome
Unless the court intervenes, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name will remain on the North Carolina ballot in November, potentially affecting the vote in this critical swing state.
COMMENTS