Judge Blocks Mailing Of Ballots Featuring RFK Jr.’s Name

On Friday, a North Carolina judge stopped the state from distributing mail-in ballots that still have Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name on them, pushing back the start of voting.

The independent presidential candidate, previously seen as a potential “spoiler” to the major party contenders, suspended his campaign last month, endorsed former President Trump and requested to be taken off ballots in key battleground states.

North Carolina’s State Board of Elections voted last week to reject Kennedy’s request for removal. Kennedy challenged the decision, and a Wake County Superior Court on Thursday ruled he must remain on the ballot. (RELATED: Report: RFK Jr. Sues For North Carolina Ballot Removal)

The legal development will stall the start of absentee voting, and it’s unclear whether or not RFK Jr. will file another appeal.

In an email obtained by The Hill, North Carolina State Board of Elections general counsel Paul Cox told county election directors this morning not to send out any ballots on Friday, the initially scheduled start date for distributing mail-in ballots.

“Our attorneys are reviewing the order and determining how to move forward. No decision has been made on whether this ruling will be appealed,” Cox wrote in the email.

Nancy Jackson

Nancy grew up in the South where her passion for politics first began. After getting her BA in journalism from Ole Miss she became an arts and culture writer for Athens Magazine where she enjoyed reporting on the eclectic music and art scene in Athens, GA. However, her desire to report on issues and policies impacting everyday Americans won out and she packed her bags for Washington, DC. Now, she splits her time between the Nation’s Capital and Philadelphia where she covers the fast-paced environment of politics, business, and news. In her off time, you can find Nancy exploring museums or enjoying brunch with friends.