RFK Jr. campaign: “Lawmakers in the State of Kansas are changing ballot access rules” A new bill would more than 4x the signatures required for ballot access from 5,000 to ~21,000. The Kennedy campaign responds: “If this stands, our campaign will be forced once again (like we did in Utah) to bring legal action.”
The Deep State is playing their same game all across America, not only against Kennedy but against Trump. ‘RFK Jr. SUES Maine’s secretary of state over ballot access laws Kennedy alleges that “Defendant, the Maine Secretary of State, is out of control, exposing herself as a Democrat partisan hack, disinterested in the rule of law.” The Kennedy campaign says they were told that supporters could collect signatures to get him on the presidential ballot inside of polling locations when Maine holds its Democratic and Republican party primaries on March 5. They allege that on February 12, however, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows directed town clerks not to allow non-major party candidates to gather signatures inside polling locations since it “threatened to unduly influence the voters.” Representatives of Maine’s secretary of state said they “have not received text of the lawsuit” and therefore “can’t speak to any of the claims made by the campaign” yet. As an independent candidate, Kennedy must collect 4,000 signatures in Maine by August 1 in order to qualify for ballot access in November. see fast clip below
NEW: RFK Jr. SUES Maine’s secretary of state over ballot access laws
Kennedy alleges that “Defendant, the Maine Secretary of State, is out of control, exposing herself as a Democrat partisan hack, disinterested in the rule of law.”
The Kennedy campaign says they were told that… pic.twitter.com/6jJkDVjZKf
— Holden Culotta (@Holden_Culotta) February 22, 2024
And now in Kansas… In a recent development that could significantly impact the statewide ballot access for independent candidates in Kansas, the state’s House passed HB 2516 on Feb. 22 by a 68-52 vote. If approved by the Senate and signed by Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly, this bill would raise the signature threshold for independent candidates from 5,000 to 2 percent of the last gubernatorial vote, approximately 21,000 signatures.
The Current Map
That is remarkable! Imagine these local legislators thinking that keeping RFK Jr out of the election is the best thing for our country. What I think is even more important, is that our movement can grow and outpace even unfair competition. The obvious corruption helps our cause. – Drew Dietle, MD
Moreover, the proposed legislation aims to eliminate the option for independent candidates to pay a filing fee as an alternative to fulfilling the signature requirement. The campaign of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who announced his candidacy as an independent last October, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of this bill, stating that it reflects the kind of “dirty politics” that prompted Kennedy to enter the political arena.
Kennedy’s campaign emphasized the financial burden legal action could impose, citing a similar situation in Utah. The campaign has dedicated a significant portion of its budget to overcoming ballot access challenges in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, estimating a cost of around $15 million.
Kennedy, who opted for an independent run, has frequently highlighted the challenges faced by independent candidates compared to their Democrat and Republican counterparts, who enjoy relatively unhindered ballot access. The campaign argues that these barriers contribute to the perpetuation of a “two-party duopoly,” restricting choices for voters.
Despite the hurdles, Kennedy’s campaign is making progress in securing ballot access. By forming the “We the People” party in multiple states, including Hawaii, California, Delaware, Mississippi, and North Carolina, and registering the “Texas Independent Party” in Texas, Kennedy is on the 2024 presidential general election ballot in three states.
Kansas House works election bills altering ballot access, advance voting and election crime https://t.co/4nhP5y61Gd via @KansasReflector
— Women for Kansas (@Women4KS) February 22, 2024
Kennedy’s campaign has faced legal challenges in Utah, where the early filing deadline was extended after legal action was taken against what was deemed an “unconstitutional” deadline. Despite obstacles, Kennedy has expressed confidence in meeting the signature requirements in all states, with the campaign supported by a “grassroots army” aiming to secure a comfortable margin beyond the required signatures.
The motivation behind the Kansas bill, according to the Kansas Libertarian Party political director Matt Clark, is rooted in Republicans’ belief that independent candidates played a role in splitting the vote, potentially impacting gubernatorial races in 2018 and 2022. The bill’s supporters argue that it aims to ensure the credibility and seriousness of independent candidates.
Dirty tricks in Kansas, y’all.
State lawmakers are trying to change ballot access rules in real time before our very eyes!
Trying to move the goal posts on Kennedy with a new bill that would require 21,000 signatures instead of 5,000.
Team Kennedy is fighting back.
Legal… pic.twitter.com/zmOCH3idRx
— Indy Cat 2000 (@TheFinalBot1) February 24, 2024
However, critics, including ballot access expert Richard Winger, point out potential legal issues with the bill. Winger notes that the proposed legislation, if passed, could violate a 1984 ruling in the Tenth Circuit, stating that states cannot increase ballot access barriers in an election year and expect them to take effect immediately.
Kennedy, in addressing the broader issue of ballot access, asserts that such restrictions contribute to voter suppression, labeling them as “among the worst forms of voter suppression in America today.” He calls for collaborative efforts among state officials to streamline and standardize ballot access procedures, challenging the current system’s tendency to favor the two major political parties.
I hope Dems realize that this loses them more votes. Honestly, after all of this bs. I won’t vote for anyone on the blue side if this keeps going. And I usually vote for plenty. And I will share my views with others that do too. They have to stop blocking actual democracy. – Ms.Brandy is finding common ground
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it remains to be seen how it will impact the landscape for independent candidates, particularly Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the broader conversation about ballot access in American politics. We know the Democrats and RINOS will do all they can to help Biden. This includes moves to hurt the Kennedy campaign.
Major Points Discussed:
- The Kansas House passed HB 2516, potentially raising signature requirements for independent candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., from 5,000 to 2 percent of the last gubernatorial vote.
- Kennedy’s campaign expressed concern about the financial burden of potential legal action if the bill is enacted, highlighting similar challenges faced in Utah.
- Despite obstacles, Kennedy’s campaign has made strides by forming the “We the People” party in several states and registering the “Texas Independent Party,” securing ballot access in three states.
- The bill’s supporters, including the Kansas Libertarian Party, argue that it aims to ensure the credibility of independent candidates and address concerns that independent candidates may split the vote, potentially impacting past gubernatorial races.
- Critics, including ballot access expert Richard Winger, point out potential legal issues with the bill, suggesting it could violate a 1984 ruling. Kennedy contends that ballot access restrictions contribute to voter suppression and calls for streamlining procedures to break the “two-party duopoly.”
Comments – Threads – Links
- RFK Jr. is OFFICIALLY on the ballot in Hawaii Hawaii is one of the five states where the Kennedy campaign formed the ‘We The People’ party in order to gain ballot access. Kennedy is now officially on the ballot in three states: Utah, New Hampshire, and Hawaii.
- They really want to keep him off the ballot and cost him as much money as possible. – Gregory Latham Jr
- Typical duopoly tricks. Ballot access is a Constitutional right. – Diane Sare U.S. Senate Vote Sare and Vega
- I mean, since when do you change the rules of a game when you’re playing it? – Suzanne HB
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Dems scream threat to democracy— but they are the ones who are a threat, trying to keep e perone off the ballots! – HuskerFan58
- Democrats are so scared !! – Indy-Dems/ Berniecrats for Kennedy !!
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The Democrat Party is a threat to democracy – Michael Glynn
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