Judge Decides Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Will Remain on Wisconsin Ballot

MADISON, Wis. — A recent ruling from a Dane County Circuit Judge has denied Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s request to remove his name from the presidential ballot in Wisconsin. The judge stated that Wisconsin law mandates candidates remain listed on the ballot unless they pass away.

This decision adds another chapter to Kennedy’s efforts to withdraw from ballots in crucial swing states amidst a tightly contested election between Republican Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Having suspended his campaign in August and subsequently endorsed Trump, Kennedy expressed a desire to have his name removed from ballots in battleground areas. He informed his supporters that they could still rally behind him in states where their influence might not significantly alter the election outcome.

Earlier this month, Kennedy successfully secured a court order to get his name off ballots in North Carolina. However, last week, the Michigan Supreme Court upheld his inclusion on that state’s ballot.

On September 3, Kennedy initiated a lawsuit in Wisconsin to seek a court order for his name’s removal. He contended that Wisconsin law discriminates against independent candidates by imposing more stringent withdrawal deadlines than those for Republican and Democratic candidates.

Kennedy highlighted the disparity that allows major party candidates until the first Tuesday in September to certify their nominees, while independent candidates must withdraw by August 6 to submit nomination papers.

Judge Stephen Ehlke firmly rejected Kennedy’s request, stating that Wisconsin’s statutes are clear: once individuals submit valid nomination papers, they remain on the ballot unless they die.

“The statute is plain on its face,” Ehlke remarked during the ruling.

The judge pointed out that many county clerks had already proceeded with printing ballots that included Kennedy’s name, creating logistical challenges if an attempt were made to alter them at this stage.

Kennedy’s legal team suggested that clerks might cover his name with stickers, a common practice for deceased candidates. However, the judge dismissed this proposal as impractical, expressing concerns that it could impede tabulation machines and lead to further litigation if the coverings were not executed properly.

“Mr. Kennedy has no one to blame but himself if he didn’t want to be on the ballot,” Ehlke concluded.

In an unusual move, Kennedy’s team also petitioned a state appellate court days prior to Ehlke’s ruling in hopes of speeding up the appellate process. The 2nd District Court of Appeals was waiting for the decision before determining how to move forward, yet there has been no immediate response from them following the ruling.

The role of independent and third-party candidates in the electoral arena could significantly influence the upcoming elections in Wisconsin, a state that has seen four of the last six presidential races decided by narrow margins ranging from 5,700 to about 23,000 votes.

In the 2016 election, Green Party nominee Jill Stein garnered over 31,000 votes in Wisconsin, exceeding Trump’s victorious margin of just under 23,000 votes. Some Democrats have attributed Trump’s success in Wisconsin that year to Stein’s candidacy.

As Kennedy navigates this complex political landscape, the implications of his presence on the ballot remain a pivotal concern for the candidates vying for control in this key battleground state.