Georgia Democrats Challenge to Block Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from Presidential Ballot

Georgia Democrats are challenging Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s place on the presidential ballot, citing residency concerns and potential violations of state election laws.

At a Glance

Democrats challenge Kennedy’s candidacy over a disputed New York address
Kennedy’s team argues his voting history supports his New York residency
Challenges also target other independent and third-party candidates
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger will make the final ruling
Critics argue these challenges limit voter choice and are politically motivated

Legal Challenge to Kennedy’s Candidacy

Democratic leaders in Georgia are mounting a legal challenge to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. off the state’s presidential ballot. The crux of their argument centers on Kennedy’s use of what they claim is a “sham” New York address on his ballot access petitions. This development comes after a New York court ruled that Kennedy does not reside at the address he provided, potentially affecting his eligibility in Georgia and other states.

Adam Sparks, a lawyer representing the challengers, stated, “The court found, by clear and convincing evidence that petitioners had shown that his New York residence was a sham used for political purposes. 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.”

Democrats in the state of Georgia are seeking to have Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed from the ballots ahead of the November presidential election after a New York court found that RFK Jr. does not live at the address he used. https://t.co/bYXbWL9hM3

— Action News Now (@ActionNewsNow) August 19, 2024

Kennedy’s Response and Legal Strategy

Kennedy’s legal team is vigorously contesting these claims. Larry Otter, Kennedy’s lawyer, asserts, “Mr. Kennedy has been a lifelong resident of the state of New York.” The campaign is appealing the New York court decision and has presented Kennedy’s voting history as evidence of his New York residency. This legal battle is not isolated to Georgia; challenges to Kennedy’s petitions have been filed in more than half a dozen states, highlighting the widespread efforts to scrutinize his candidacy.

“Most voters now are not affiliated,” said Larry Sharpe, outreach director for American Values 2024, highlighting the potential impact of independent candidates on the election.

Challengers to independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a hearing Monday he should be blocked from the ballot in Georgia for his use of a “sham” New York address for ballot access petitions. #gapol https://t.co/2Qi9cz06mF

— Mark Niesse (@markniesse) August 19, 2024

Broader Implications for the Election

The challenge against Kennedy is part of a larger strategy by Democrats to shape the electoral field. They are also contesting the ballot places of other independent and third-party candidates, including Cornel West, Jill Stein, and Claudia De la Cruz. These actions could significantly influence the balance of the election, particularly in Georgia, a state narrowly won by Joe Biden in 2020.

Tolulope Kevin Olasanoye, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Georgia, defended these actions, stating, “We take the nomination process very seriously and believe everyone should follow the rules.” He further claimed that the challenged candidates “have not faithfully observed the state of Georgia’s election laws.”

Controversy and Criticism

These legal maneuvers have not gone without criticism. Supporters of the challenged candidates view these actions as unfair and politically motivated attempts to limit voter choice. Estevan Hernandez, a Georgia volunteer for De la Cruz, criticized the challenges as “an undemocratic maneuver,” stating, “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, Administrative Law Judge Michael Malihi will issue findings to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who will make the final ruling on the candidates’ eligibility. The outcome of these challenges could have far-reaching implications for the 2024 presidential election, potentially altering the landscape of choices available to Georgia voters.