In a big win for President Trump, appeals courts in two important swing states, Michigan and North Carolina, made some decisions that could change things for him. These decisions involve the removal of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name from the ballots, aligning with his decision to exit the presidential race and endorse President Trump in the 2024 election.
In North Carolina, the Court of Appeals ruled decisively to remove Kennedy’s name from the general election ballot. This ruling came just as mail-in ballots were about to be distributed, forcing election officials to quickly adapt by reprinting ballots. The court’s decision reflects a clear acknowledgment of Kennedy’s request to withdraw, emphasizing the absence of statutory authority preventing such a move.
????BREAKING: North Carolina Court of Appeals just ordered RFK Jr's name to be taken off the General Election ballot in the state.
Mail in ballots were supposed to be sent out today in NC but they will now have to be re-printed. pic.twitter.com/bg8jEa0JoJ
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 6, 2024
Similarly, in Michigan, the Court of Appeals overturned a previous decision by the state’s Court of Claims, which had denied Kennedy’s withdrawal request. The panel of judges sided with Kennedy, allowing him to be removed from the ballot despite initial opposition from Michigan’s Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson. The court highlighted that Michigan Election Law did not explicitly prohibit presidential candidates from withdrawing, thereby granting Kennedy the legal right to have his name taken off the ballot.
Kennedy’s decision to retract his candidacy and support Trump has stirred political waves, especially as his campaign had previously garnered backing from some Republican donors who viewed him as a potential “spoiler” candidate. By withdrawing, Kennedy aims to consolidate support for Trump, potentially influencing the outcome in these pivotal states.
The timing of these rulings is particularly significant. Michigan election officials faced a tight deadline to finalize the candidate list for absentee ballots, crucial for military and overseas voters. The last-minute nature of the rulings necessitated swift action to ensure compliance with the court’s orders, preventing any logistical disruptions in the election process.
Political analysts are closely watching the fallout from these decisions. With Kennedy out of the race, the focus shifts to how his absence and endorsement of Trump will affect voter dynamics in North Carolina and Michigan. These states, often considered bellwethers, could see shifts in voter behavior as a result of these legal outcomes.