BY Benjamin ClarkSeptember 1, 2024
3 weeks ago
BY 
 | September 1, 2024
3 weeks ago

RFK Jr.'s Name to Stay on NC Ballot Despite Endorsement of Trump

In an unexpected electoral twist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may still appear on some state ballots despite suspending his campaign and endorsing Donald Trump.

Following his campaign suspension, Kennedy Jr.'s name will still feature on the North Carolina ballot due the state already having started its absentee ballot printing process, as American Military News reports, an outcome Trump himself suggested might occur.

Kennedy Jr., initially a third-party contender for the presidency, made headlines recently by withdrawing from the race. His abrupt endorsement of Donald Trump came as a surprise to many, particularly given his previous court advocacy for independent ballot access.

The candidate's party, "We the People," faced significant legal and administrative hurdles throughout the campaign. Issues ranged from certification battles with the North Carolina State Board of Elections to challenges from the Democratic Party seeking to nullify his candidacy.

Despite his campaign's suspension, Kennedy's name will appear on the ballot. This follows a decision from the State Board of Elections based on practical concerns surrounding the timing and costs associated with altering the ballots.

Detailed Concerns Influenced Electoral Decision

More than half of North Carolina counties had already started the absentee ballot printing process by the decision time. With the first batch scheduled to be dispatched by Sept. 6, removing Kennedy’s name posed logistical challenges, according to officials.

Jeff Carmon, a board member, expressed the complexities of the situation. "Given the fact that we have a short deadline to turn these around, the amount of ballots that's been printed, the cost that local counties would incur to reprint the ballots -- with all those things in mind I move that he remain on the ballot," he stated.

The projected expenses for reprinting the ballots, running into a high six-figure sum, together with potential delays in reducing the absentee voting period, weighed heavily on the decision-making process.

Board's Political Composition and Past Disputes

The North Carolina State Board of Elections, holding a majority of Democrats, had previously entered into disputes with Kennedy's party over certification matters. This backdrop added a layer of complexity to the eventual decision to keep his name on the ballot.

Kennedy's legal actions to ensure ballot access underscored his initially fierce commitment to an independent candidacy, despite later aligning with a major party nominee.

Consequently, Kennedy's last-minute withdrawal and endorsement brought criticism from various corners. Opponents accused him of insincerity, questioning the sincerity of his anti-duopoly stance espoused by his party.

Public and Political Reactions to the Decision

Reactions to the board’s decision have varied. Siobhan Millen, a critic of Kennedy's campaign strategy, labeled the entire episode a farce, sympathizing with those who felt deceived. "I think this whole episode has been a farce, and I feel bad for anyone who’s been deceived," Millen said.

Clear Choice Action, a political advocacy group, also commented on Kennedy's endorsement, suggesting a contradiction in his campaign’s foundational message. "Now that Mr. Kennedy has endorsed one of the two major party nominees, WTP’s disdain for the duopoly has suddenly and coincidentally faded away," the organization stated in a press release.

Kevin Lewis, another board member, acknowledged operational limitations while suggesting potential alternative measures. "I think it would probably have been prudent when this issue first was reported, to maybe say, ‘let’s go on a holding pattern until we had this board meeting,' rather than ordering full steam ahead," he remarked.'

Conclusion And Future Electoral Considerations

As it stands, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will remain on North Carolina's ballot for the forthcoming presidential election -- a scenario punctuating an already tumultuous election cycle.

The decision, driven by practical and financial constraints amid an evolving political drama, reflects the complex dynamics of American electoral politics.

Critics see the move as indicative of underlying strategic maneuvers designed to benefit Democrats rather than genuine political conviction.

As the election date draws closer, voters and parties alike will likely continue to scrutinize the implications of Kennedy's unconventional candidacy.

Written by: Benjamin Clark

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