Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is suing North Carolina’s board of elections after they refused to remove his name from the ballot in the crucial swing state, despite his explicit request. The lawsuit, filed on Friday in Wake County Superior Court, argues that the board’s decision infringes on Kennedy’s free speech rights by compelling him to participate in the election against his will.
The legal action follows a narrow 3-2 vote by the state’s elections board, which has a Democratic majority. The board’s decision not to remove Kennedy’s name from the ballot has sparked a legal battle, with Kennedy’s legal team arguing that the board’s refusal is both unconstitutional and unnecessary.
According to Karen Brinson, the executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, the state has already printed 1.73 million ballots in more than 60 counties, including special ballots for overseas military and disabled voters, making it difficult to accommodate Kennedy’s request at this point in the election process.
Kennedy, who suspended his presidential campaign on August 23 and endorsed President Donald Trump, intended to remove his name from the ballot in key battleground states like North Carolina while remaining on the ballot in less competitive states. However, North Carolina is not the only state to reject his request — both Michigan and Wisconsin have similarly denied his appeals.
Polling from the Hill and Decision Desk HQ indicates that Kennedy’s presence on the ballot could have a significant impact on the race in North Carolina. A head-to-head matchup between President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris shows both candidates tied at 48.1%. However, when Kennedy’s name is included, Trump’s support drops to 43.5%, while Harris’s increases to 48.8%.
Kennedy’s lawsuit challenges the board’s decision and raises important questions about the intersection of ballot access and candidates’ rights. The outcome of this case could have major implications not only for Kennedy but also for the broader dynamics of the 2024 presidential race in North Carolina.
