Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken legal action against the North Carolina State Board of Elections after the board refused to remove his name from the ballot in the upcoming election. The lawsuit, filed in Wake County Superior Court, claims that the board’s decision infringes on Kennedy’s constitutional rights by compelling him to remain on the ballot against his wishes.
The lawsuit follows a contentious 3-2 vote by the board, which is controlled by a Democratic majority. The board’s decision to deny Kennedy’s request has sparked a legal battle over free speech and ballot access, with Kennedy’s attorneys arguing that the board has overstepped its authority by ignoring his statutory rights.
Karen Brinson, the executive director of the elections board, defended the decision, citing logistical challenges. She explained that 1.73 million ballots had already been printed across more than 60 counties, and specialized ballots had been prepared for overseas military personnel and disabled voters, making it impractical to remove Kennedy’s name at this stage.
Kennedy, who suspended his presidential campaign on August 23 and endorsed President Donald Trump, planned to remove his name from ballots in competitive states like North Carolina while remaining on the ballot in others. However, his efforts have been met with resistance in multiple states, including Michigan and Wisconsin.
Polling data from the Hill and Decision Desk HQ suggests that Kennedy’s presence on the ballot could shift the dynamics of the race in North Carolina. In a direct contest between President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, both are neck-and-neck at 48.1%. However, Kennedy’s inclusion on the ballot reduces Trump’s support to 43.5%, giving Harris a slight edge at 48.8%.
Kennedy’s lawsuit underscores the tensions between candidates’ rights and electoral procedures in key swing states. As the case progresses, its outcome could play a crucial role in shaping the 2024 presidential election, particularly in battleground states like North Carolina.
