Michigan Judge Rules RFK Jr. Must Stay on Ballot.
In a recent twist to the 2024 presidential race, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will remain on Michigan’s November ballot, despite suspending his campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump. This decision was upheld by Michigan Court of Claims Judge Christopher P. Yates on September 3.
Kennedy, who had qualified for the Michigan ballot in April through the Natural Law Party, had hoped to withdraw his candidacy after announcing on August 23 that he was suspending his campaign and supporting Trump. Kennedy expressed concerns that his presence on the ballot could act as a spoiler in crucial battleground states, potentially drawing votes away from Trump and influencing the outcome.
Judge Yates’s ruling found that Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson acted correctly in rejecting Kennedy's request to remove his name. Yates emphasized that election laws are designed to ensure fairness and stability, stating that the Secretary of State is not obligated to accommodate a candidate’s late withdrawal. "Elections are not just games, and the Secretary of State is not obligated to honor the whims of candidates for public office," Yates wrote.
Kennedy's attempt to withdraw was part of a broader strategy to manage his impact on the election. While some states, including Florida and Ohio, accepted his withdrawal request, others, like Michigan and Wisconsin, did not. Wisconsin's Elections Commission, for instance, ruled that once a candidate has filed, they must remain on the ballot unless they die, underscoring the strict nature of state election laws.
In Michigan, Benson’s office cited state law stipulating that minor party candidates nominated at a state convention cannot withdraw. This legal framework led to Kennedy's lawsuit, arguing that his continued presence on the ballot could skew the election results and diminish voter intent.
The ruling also aligns with decisions from other states, such as North Carolina, where Kennedy’s request was rejected due to logistical issues, including the need to reprint ballots.
Kennedy's legal battles are ongoing, with a lawsuit filed in North Carolina challenging a similar decision. As the election draws nearer, the debate over Kennedy's ballot status highlights the complexities of U.S. election laws and their impact on the 2024 presidential race.
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{Kennedy Announced Suspension}