RFK Jr. requests Supreme Court to remove him from Wisconsin ballot, missing deadline
WASHINGTON – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has submitted an emergency petition to the Supreme Court asking to have his name removed from the presidential ballot in Wisconsin, weeks after many ballots were already sent out in this key state.
Kennedy, who backed Republican Donald Trump after discontinuing his independent campaign, claims he wants to clarify his stance to avoid voter confusion.
However, he has added to this confusion by simultaneously seeking the Supreme Court’s assistance to appear on the ballot in New York while trying to withdraw from ballots in Wisconsin and other critical states.
Last month, the Supreme Court dismissed his New York request.
A ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Stephen Ehlke stated that Wisconsin law mandates candidates remain on the ballot unless they pass away. This ruling was also confirmed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Wisconsin is among seven states anticipated to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the presidential election on November 5.
Kennedy contends that he is being unfairly treated, as Wisconsin has different ballot deadlines for independent candidates compared to those affiliated with major parties.
According to the Elections Commission, candidates belonging to a party had their deadline to certify by 5 p.m. on September 3, while independent candidates had to do so by 5 p.m. on August 6. Kennedy suspended his campaign on August 23.
At the time he halted his campaign, Kennedy stated that his name would remain on the ballot and he encouraged supporters to vote for him in most states.
However, he later expressed intentions to seek the removal of his name from the ballot in swing states “where my presence would be a spoiler.”
“Wisconsin is a swing state, where Kennedy has publicly and actively endorsed Trump,” his attorneys informed the Supreme Court. “Keeping his name on the ballot will hinder that message.”