According to Fox News, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be unable to remove his name from the presidential ballots in two crucial battleground states, Michigan and Wisconsin, despite recently ending his independent campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump.
In Michigan, Kennedy will remain on the ballot as the Natural Law Party's candidate, a nomination he received during their convention this year. The Michigan Secretary of State's office confirmed that minor party candidates cannot withdraw once nominated.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Elections Commission voted to keep Kennedy on the ballot, rejecting his request for removal and a Democratic attempt to oust independent candidate Cornel West.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission's decision to keep Kennedy on the ballot was influenced by state law. Despite Kennedy's campaign submitting a letter requesting his name be removed, the commission was deadlocked on the issue.
Democratic members of the commission pointed to Wisconsin state law, which stipulates that once a candidate has filed for office, they must remain on the ballot unless they die.
Ann Jacobs, the chair of the commission, emphasized the clarity of the law, stating that it explicitly requires a candidate's name to appear on the ballot once they have filed nomination papers and qualified.
The commission's decision resulted in Kennedy, along with seven other presidential candidates, being approved for the Wisconsin ballot.
Republican commissioner Don Millis expressed his struggle with the state law but ultimately joined other commissioners in voting to place Kennedy on the ballot as an independent candidate. This decision reflects the complexities of election laws and their impact on ballot access.
Kennedy's presence on the ballots in Michigan and Wisconsin could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election. These states are considered key battlegrounds, with recent presidential elections being decided by narrow margins. Including independent and third-party candidates on the ballot may influence voter choices and potentially affect the final outcome.
In his speech announcing the suspension of his campaign, Kennedy acknowledged the potential spoiler effect his candidacy could have in battleground states.
He stated his intention to remove his name from the ballot in approximately 10 such states where his presence could potentially benefit the Democratic candidate.
However, Kennedy also mentioned that his supporters could continue to back him in the majority of states where his candidacy is unlikely to sway the outcome. This strategic approach reflects the complex calculations involved in independent candidacies and their potential impact on major party candidates.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will remain on the presidential ballots in Michigan and Wisconsin despite ending his independent campaign and endorsing Donald Trump. This decision, influenced by state laws and election commissions, could impact voter choices in these crucial battleground states during the 2024 election.
