Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed a lawsuit against North Carolina’s board of elections after they declined to remove his name from the ballot. Kennedy argues that this decision violates his free speech rights, forcing him to remain on the ballot in a critical swing state against his preferences.
The lawsuit, filed in Wake County Superior Court, challenges the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) after its 3-2 vote along party lines to deny Kennedy’s request. The board, led by a Democratic majority, cited logistical issues, stating that 1.73 million ballots had already been printed in over 60 counties, making it impractical to remove Kennedy’s name.
Kennedy’s legal team asserts that the board’s refusal to honor his request is an infringement on his rights, as it compels him to participate in an election against his will. The lawsuit emphasizes that this situation was avoidable and accuses the board of creating the problem through its own decisions.
As North Carolina plays a pivotal role in the upcoming election, the presence of Kennedy’s name on the ballot could sway the outcome. Recent polling suggests that Kennedy’s inclusion could reduce support for President Donald Trump, potentially altering the dynamics of the race. This case could also set a precedent for other states where Kennedy has sought to be removed from the ballot.
