RFK Jr. sues North Carolina elections board as he seeks to remove his name from ballot

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in American politics and a member of the illustrious Kennedy family, has recently made headlines by suing the North Carolina State Board of Elections. This legal action comes after the board refused to remove his name from the state's ballot for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Kennedy, who had initially launched his campaign as a Democratic candidate, later switched to run as an independent before suspending his campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump. His decision to withdraw from the race and support Trump has led to a complex legal and political situation, particularly in swing states like North Carolina.

Kennedy's lawsuit, filed in Wake County Superior Court, argues that the North Carolina State Board of Elections violated his free speech rights by denying his request to withdraw his name from the ballot. The lawsuit claims that the board's decision not only breaches state election regulations but also compels Kennedy to engage in speech against his will, a violation of constitutional rights. Kennedy's legal team contends that the board's refusal to accommodate his request has caused him irreparable harm and that the board's actions are an issue of its own making.

The controversy began when the North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 along party lines to deny Kennedy's request to remove his name from the ballot. The board, which has a Democratic majority, argued that it was too late to make changes as 67 of the state's 100 counties had already begun printing ballots. The first batch of ballots needed to be dispatched by September 6, and the board's executive director, Karen Brinson Bell, stated that more than 1.7 million ballots had already been printed. Reprinting these ballots would incur costs amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, a burden the board deemed impractical.

Kennedy's decision to remove his name from the ballot in competitive states like North Carolina is part of a broader strategy following his endorsement of Trump. He aims to avoid splitting the vote in states where the race between Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris could be close. However, his efforts have not been successful in all states, as similar requests have been denied in Michigan and Wisconsin.

The legal battle is further complicated by the fact that Kennedy's presence on the ballot could influence the election outcome in North Carolina. Polls suggest that his candidacy could draw votes away from Trump, potentially benefiting Harris. In a state where presidential elections are often decided by narrow margins, even small shifts in voter support can be significant. For instance, a poll conducted by Focaldata found that in a head-to-head race between Trump and Harris, the two candidates were tied. However, when third-party candidates like Kennedy were included, Harris gained a slight lead.

This lawsuit is the latest chapter in Kennedy's tumultuous 2024 presidential campaign. Known for his controversial views, particularly on vaccines, Kennedy initially garnered attention as a Democratic candidate. However, his campaign faced significant challenges, including criticism from his own family and a lack of widespread support. His eventual decision to run as an independent and later endorse Trump marked a dramatic shift in his political strategy.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of Kennedy's lawsuit remains uncertain. If the court does not intervene, his name will remain on the North Carolina ballot, potentially impacting the state's election results. This case highlights the complexities of election law and the challenges candidates face when attempting to navigate the political landscape in the United States.