Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s ballot removal efforts complicate voting in key swing states

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Former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s attempt to remove his name from ballots in swing states has led to delays and challenges for election officials. After suspending his campaign in August and endorsing Donald Trump for president, Kennedy urged his supporters in solid blue and red states to vote for him but requested that voters in swing states support Trump.

In North Carolina, the state Supreme Court ordered the reprinting of ballots to exclude Kennedy’s name, despite the late timing. This ruling caused delays and incurred significant costs, estimated to exceed $1 million statewide. Election officials in North Carolina’s 100 counties had to shred previously printed ballots and reprint them, delaying absentee ballot mailings by two weeks.

Wisconsin election officials face a different challenge. Kennedy remains on the ballot there after a Dane County judge ruled in his favor, despite his continued efforts to remove his name. Absentee ballots have already been mailed, and Kennedy's team has proposed placing stickers over his name. However, Wisconsin officials have raised concerns that this could create logistical problems and interfere with vote counting. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to hear the case, despite concerns from some judges over the timing and process.

Kennedy’s ballot removal efforts reflect the complexities and costs of last-minute changes during election rollouts in these crucial states.