Georgia Democrats are pushing to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other presidential candidates from the state’s ballot, citing concerns over eligibility and compliance with state laws.
At a Glance
- Democrats argue Kennedy used a “sham” New York address on ballot access petitions
- A New York court ruled Kennedy doesn’t live at the provided address
- Challenges to Kennedy’s petitions have been made in multiple states
- Democrats are also challenging other independent and third-party candidates
- A decision is needed before Georgia mails military and overseas ballots on Sept. 17
Democrats Challenge Kennedy’s Eligibility
In a move that could significantly impact the 2024 presidential race, Georgia Democrats are taking legal action to disqualify Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other candidates from appearing on the state’s ballot. The primary argument centers around Kennedy’s use of what challengers claim is a “sham” New York address on his ballot access petitions.
A New York court has already ruled that Kennedy doesn’t reside at the address he provided, potentially affecting his ballot access in other states as well. This ruling has become a cornerstone of the Democrats’ challenge in Georgia.
During a Monday hearing, challengers seeking to throw Robert F. Kennedy Jr. off of Georgia’s presidential ballot say he must be disqualified because the New York address he used on Georgia ballot access petitions is a sham. https://t.co/ZdePW4ESn1
— WABE News (@wabenews) August 19, 2024
Legal Battles Across Multiple States
The situation in Georgia is not isolated. Kennedy’s campaign is facing similar challenges in more than half a dozen states, highlighting a coordinated effort to scrutinize his candidacy. In New York, a separate trial is underway to determine Kennedy’s place on that state’s presidential ballot.
“The court found, by clear and convincing evidence that petitioners had shown that his New York residence was a sham used for political purposes,” lawyer Adam Sparks said after a Monday hearing in Atlanta. “He doesn’t live there. He claimed to on each and every sheet of his petition here in Georgia. That’s improper. It invalidates the petition, full stop.”
Kennedy’s legal team is vigorously contesting these challenges. His lawyer, Larry Otter, maintains that “Mr. Kennedy has been a lifelong resident of the state of New York,” and argues that Georgia is improperly attempting to impose additional qualifications on a presidential candidate beyond those specified in the U.S. Constitution.
Broader Implications for the Election
The Democrats’ efforts extend beyond Kennedy. They are also challenging the ballot placement of independent candidate Cornel West, Green Party nominee Jill Stein, and Claudia De la Cruz of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. This broad-based approach underscores the strategic importance of ballot access in shaping the electoral landscape.
“They circumvent requirements for qualification in Georgia by gaming the system,” Sparks said.
Critics of these challenges, including supporters of the targeted candidates, view the Democrats’ actions as an attempt to limit voter choice. Estevan Hernandez, speaking on behalf of De la Cruz’s campaign, characterized the effort as “One rich lawyer with the backing of the Democratic Party machine is trying to override the clear intent for these 15,000-plus people to have Claudia De la Cruz on the ballot.”
As the legal battles unfold, the outcome remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that these challenges could have a significant impact on the composition of Georgia’s presidential ballot and, potentially, the outcome of the 2024 election in this crucial swing state.
Sources:
1. Democrats, others seek to toss Kennedy off November ballot in Georgia and New York
2. Democrats seek to disqualify Kennedy and others from Georgia presidential ballots
3. Democrats, others seek to toss Kennedy off November ballot in Georgia and New York
4. Democrats, others seek to toss Kennedy off November ballot in Georgia and New York
