The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted against allowing new parties supporting presidential candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West to be on the ballot, citing concerns over out-of-state operatives collecting signatures and potential exploitation of election laws. The decision split along party lines, with Democrats voting to keep West and Kennedy off the ballot for now, while Republicans objected, noting that the necessary number of signatures had been submitted. The decision comes amid a national proxy war between the two major parties over independent and third-party candidates, with Democrats fearing any minor candidates will split the anti-Trump coalition and hurt Biden. The Republican National Committee and Trump’s campaign criticized the decision as “election interference” and threatened retribution. The board will further investigate the issues with signature collection and take another vote next month. Concerns were raised about the involvement of out-of-state operatives with a GOP firm collecting signatures for West, and potential manipulation of the system by creating new parties to place candidates on the ballot with fewer signatures than required for independent candidates. The board will also deny certification of a far-right party founded by Randall Terry. The decision has sparked controversy and accusations of political pressure influencing the outcome of the board’s decision.
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NC Rejects Initial Ballot Access for RFK Jr. and Cornel West
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