Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent decision to suspend his independent presidential campaign has led to unexpected complications in several key battleground states.
After announcing his intention to remove his name from the ballot in competitive states, Kennedy is now encountering legal and procedural hurdles that may prevent his withdrawal.
According to NPR, the process of removing a candidate's name from the ballot varies significantly by state, with some deadlines having already passed. Kennedy's campaign, which had initially focused on gaining ballot access in all 50 states, is now grappling with the complexities of reversing course in states where he had successfully secured a spot on the ballot.
The response to Kennedy's withdrawal efforts has differed across battleground states, reflecting the diverse election laws and procedures in place. In some states, Kennedy's request to be removed from the ballot has been granted, while in others, legal barriers prevent his withdrawal.
For instance, in Arizona, Kennedy successfully filed paperwork to remove his name from the ballot just before announcing the suspension of his campaign. Similarly, in Florida, he was able to withdraw his name as the nominee for the Reform Party, meeting the state's deadline for minor political parties to certify their candidates.
However, the situation is more complicated in other states. In Michigan, Kennedy must remain on the ballot due to state laws preventing minor-party nominees from withdrawing after certification. The Michigan Bureau of Elections has stated that the deadline for changes has long passed.
Several battleground states present significant challenges to Kennedy's withdrawal efforts. In Nevada, Kennedy narrowly missed the August 20 deadline for candidate withdrawal requests, making it too late for him to remove himself from the ballot.
North Carolina presents another hurdle, as Kennedy's creation of the We The People Party and the proximity to the election make it likely that he will remain on the ballot. The state has already begun printing ballots for some counties, further complicating any potential changes.
Wisconsin's election laws also pose a challenge. The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted to keep Kennedy on the ballot despite his filed request for removal, citing state law that prevents candidates who have filed nomination papers and qualified for the ballot from declining nomination.
David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, provided insight into the situation:
Every state has different procedures and deadlines with regard to ballot access and withdrawal, but the later a withdrawal happens, the harder it is for a state to remove a name from a ballot. Some states have deadlines that have passed, and many states have already begun the process of printing ballots.
While Kennedy faced obstacles in several states, he successfully withdrew from some battleground states. In Ohio, Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirmed that Kennedy will no longer appear on the ballot. Similarly, in Texas, Kennedy has successfully removed his name from the ballot after overcoming significant initial hurdles to gain access.
Pennsylvania presents a unique case where Kennedy's candidacy had been challenged in court. Following his campaign suspension announcement, Kennedy's lawyers filed notice that he no longer opposed the challenge, and a judge subsequently granted his request to withdraw his candidacy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s attempt to withdraw from the ballot in competitive states has revealed the complex and varied nature of state election laws. While successful in some states, Kennedy faces significant challenges in others, potentially keeping his name on the ballot in several key battleground states. This situation underscores the intricate legal landscape surrounding ballot access and withdrawal in U.S. presidential elections and may have unforeseen implications for the upcoming 2024 election.
