Former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name has been removed from North Carolina ballots by the Supreme Court, in a move that is seen as beneficial to Republican nominee Donald Trump’s chances in the state. Kennedy’s campaign was already suspended in August, and he had previously endorsed Trump. The decision to remove his name will likely shorten the state’s mail-in voting period.
Kennedy’s name was initially set to remain on the ballot following a Superior Court ruling, but the decision was overturned by the Court of Appeals and the State Supreme Court. This ruling imposes a financial burden on election officials as they will now have to reprint ballots without Kennedy’s name, potentially costing taxpayers nearly $1 million.
The State Board of Elections is in talks with the Department of Defense to potentially secure a waiver if they miss the federal deadline for sending out military and overseas ballots. The Board emphasized the need to ensure all voters have an equal opportunity to cast their ballots, despite the logistical challenges posed by the last-minute decision.
Local election officials, such as Buncombe County Elections Director Corinne Duncan, have estimated the cost of reprinting ballots in their county alone. The decision has sparked criticism from organizations like Common Cause North Carolina, who believe it hurts voters and places an unnecessary burden on election budgets already strained for resources. Despite these challenges, election officials are determined to rise to the occasion and ensure a fair and smooth voting process for all voters in North Carolina.
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