Move to Block RFK Jr. from Ballot: Georgia Democrats’ Strategy Unveiled

Move to Block RFK Jr. from Ballot: Georgia Democrats' Strategy Unveiled

Georgia’s Democratic party officials are moving to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the presidential ballot, leaving many wondering what impact this will have on the upcoming election.

At a Glance

  • Challengers argue Robert F. Kennedy Jr. used a “sham” address on ballot access petitions.
  • A New York court ruled Kennedy doesn’t live at the address he used.
  • Kennedy is appealing the New York court decision.
  • In Georgia, challengers claim Kennedy’s petitions should be voided due to the false address.
  • Kennedy’s lawyer presented his voting history as evidence of his New York residency.

Eligibility and Compliance Under Scrutiny

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Georgia Democrats are diligently working to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other independent and third-party candidates from the ballot. Officials claim Kennedy used a fraudulent New York address on ballot access petitions, which has led to questions about his eligibility. A New York court found clear evidence that Kennedy does not reside at the address he used, casting doubt on his compliance with state laws.

Kennedy’s team is appealing the decision. Lawyers argue that his voting history confirms his residency in New York. Despite this, challengers in Georgia argue that Kennedy’s petitions should be considered void due to the false address.

Georgia counties have confirmed that Kennedy, along with candidates Cornel West and Claudia De la Cruz, collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. However, Democrats are challenging not only Kennedy’s but also other third-party candidates’ ballot access on similar grounds. They argue that these candidates circumvent Georgia’s qualification requirements by gaming the system.

Impact on Competitive Dynamics

Georgia’s administrative law judge Malihi will issue findings to the Georgia Secretary of State, who will make the final ruling. The decision is crucial as Georgia is set to mail military and overseas ballots by September 17th, making the timing even more pressing. Each petition filed has faced scrutiny over potential illegal formatting errors.

”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,” Hernandez said after the hearing.

Estevan Hernandez, a Georgia volunteer for De la Cruz, criticized the move as ”an undemocratic maneuver.” The Democratic plaintiffs argue that the collected signatures, addresses, and overall formats do not meet the legal standards set forth by Georgia laws, further complicating Kennedy’s and others’ paths to the ballot.

Wider Implications

The challenges against Kennedy have not been isolated to Georgia. Similar challenges have surfaced in at least half a dozen other states. Kennedy’s campaign claims they have enough signatures to gain ballot access in all 50 states; however, their position remains tenuous amid ongoing legal battles.

”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 stated after a 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.”

The broader impact of these challenges is significant. Independent and third-party candidates have the potential to influence Georgia’s electoral balance, either by drawing votes away from major party candidates or by disrupting traditional voting patterns. This situation places even more pressure on the Democratic Party to ensure streamlined and compliant candidate nominations.

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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 Seek RFK Jr.’s Removal From Georgia Ballot, Cite ‘Sham’ Address
  4. Democrats seek to remove RFK Jr, other independents from Georgia presidential ballots
  5. Democrats seek to block RFK Jr., third-party contenders from Georgia ballot
  6. Ga. Democrats try to keep RFK Jr., others off presidential ballot
  7. Democrats and their allies sue to keep RFK Jr. off the ballot in several states
  8. Georgia Democrats file challenges to keep RFK Jr., others off presidential ballot

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