The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled to remove former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from state ballots ahead of the general election. This decision upholds an appeals court ruling that said Kennedy’s name should be taken off the ballot, requiring ballots to be reprinted. Justice Trey Allen, writing for the majority, stated that expediting the process of printing new ballots is necessary to protect voters’ fundamental right to vote their conscience. Kennedy, who had previously fought to get his name on various state ballots, sought to be removed as polling indicated he could hurt former President Donald Trump’s chances in November. The legal battle over Kennedy’s appearance on the North Carolina ballot has affected the timing of ballot mailings in the state. The court’s decision cited the state constitution’s Free Elections Clause in rejecting efforts to block the enforcement of the appeals court’s order to remove Kennedy from the ballot. The majority argued that keeping Kennedy’s name on the ballot could disenfranchise voters who mistakenly believe he is still a candidate. A spokesperson for the North Carolina State Board of Elections did not immediately respond to inquiries about the court’s decision or the new timeline for ballots. Kennedy also faced a setback in Michigan, where the Supreme Court ruled he must remain on the state’s ballot after dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Trump.
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