State Supreme Court rules RFK Jr. must be disqualified from North Carolina ballots

The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled to remove former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the state’s ballots ahead of the general election. This decision upholds an appeals court ruling and means that ballots will need to be reprinted. Justices emphasized the importance of protecting voters’ right to vote their conscience and ensuring that their votes count. Kennedy, who had previously fought to get his name on as many state ballots as possible, sought to get his name removed as polling indicated he could hurt former President Donald Trump’s chances in November if he remained on the ballot. The legal battle over Kennedy’s appearance on the North Carolina ballot has caused delays in sending out ballots. The ruling cited the state constitution’s Free Elections Clause in rejecting efforts to block the removal of Kennedy from the ballot, stating that his presence on the ballot could potentially disenfranchise voters who mistakenly believe he is still a candidate. The decision is also significant in the context of Kennedy’s status on Michigan’s ballot, where he was ruled to remain despite dropping out of the presidential race. A spokesperson for the North Carolina State Board of Elections did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the court’s decision or the new timeline for ballots.

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