NBC News reports that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has won appeals to remove his name from the ballots in Michigan and North Carolina.
This development has caused delays in the distribution of absentee ballots in North Carolina, which were scheduled to be mailed out as early as September 6, 2024.
The rulings in both states overturn previous decisions and could potentially impact the 2024 presidential election. Kennedy, who initially sought ballot access as a third-party candidate, changed course after endorsing former President Donald Trump and now aims to have his name removed from state ballots.
In North Carolina, an appeals court ruled in favor of Kennedy's removal from the ballot, reversing a lower court's decision from the previous day. This ruling has forced counties to halt the printing and distribution of ballots, which were set to be mailed out starting September 6.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections promptly instructed election officials to suspend the mailing of ballots. Paul Cox, general counsel for the state election authority, acknowledged the significant undertaking this represents and stated that their attorneys are reviewing the order to determine the next steps.
Similarly, in Michigan, an appeals court agreed to remove Kennedy from the ballot, contradicting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's assertion that it was too late for such action. Benson, a Democrat, plans to appeal the decision immediately due to the imminent deadline for sending out military and overseas ballots.
The removal of Kennedy's name from the ballots in these key swing states has far-reaching consequences for election timelines and budgets. In North Carolina, the reprinting of ballots is expected to be a costly endeavor that could significantly delay the distribution of mail ballots.
Thousands of ballots were scheduled to be sent to overseas and military voters as early as September 6 in North Carolina. The court's decision has disrupted this timeline, potentially affecting these voters' ability to participate in the election.
Michigan faces a tighter schedule, with military and overseas ballots required to be sent out by September 21, and absentee ballots scheduled for distribution on September 26. While the ballots have not yet been printed, the court's decision puts pressure on election officials to meet these deadlines.
Angela Benander, a spokesperson for Secretary Benson, stated: "The Secretary plans to appeal immediately, as military and overseas ballots must go out soon."
Kennedy's efforts to remove himself from state ballots represent a significant shift in his political strategy. Initially, he fought to secure ballot access as a third-party presidential candidate. However, after dropping out of the race and endorsing Trump, Kennedy sought to have his name removed as an option for voters.
Polling data suggests that Kennedy's presence on the ballot could potentially harm the Republican nominee's chances. This strategic move to remove his name aligns with his current support for Trump and reflects the complex dynamics of the 2024 presidential race.
The rulings in Michigan and North Carolina mark a turning point in Kennedy's campaign strategy and highlight the intricate legal processes involved in ballot access. As election officials scramble to comply with these court decisions, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and accessible voting process for all eligible citizens. The outcome of these legal battles and their impact on ballot distribution will likely continue to shape the narrative of the 2024 presidential election in the coming weeks.
