Robert F. Kennedy Jr. files suit to have his name removed from North Carolina’s election ballot. Kennedy dropped out of the presidential race after endorsing former President Donald Trump, but the state elections board rejected his request to be removed from the ballot. Despite following all statutory requirements, the board cited cost and timing issues for reprinting ballots as a reason not to remove his name. Kennedy argues that by forcing him to remain on the ballot, the board is violating his free speech rights. The board members’ decision hinged on practicality and statutory deadlines for ballot distribution. 80 out of 93 counties had already begun producing absentee ballots, with an estimated high six-figure cost to reprint. Kennedy’s lawyers argued that the board’s decision was a stark departure from their previous stance on ballot access for a minor political party. The new We The People Party, which had selected Kennedy as its presidential candidate, was embroiled in legal battles with the North Carolina Democratic Party. Kennedy’s complaint emphasized that the board was ignoring his established rights and overriding statutory requirements. The lawsuit sought to challenge the board’s decision based on legal justifications and precedents. Republican board members Kevin Lewis and Stacy Eggers IV voted in favor of removing Kennedy’s name from the ballot, but were outnumbered by the three Democratic board members. The board’s decision has sparked controversy over the practicality of reprinting ballots and adherence to election statutes. Kennedy’s lawsuit underscores the importance of upholding legal standards and protecting candidates’ rights in the electoral process.
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RFK files lawsuit to eliminate their name from North Carolina ballot
