Despite the framework of the electoral system benefiting two dominant political parties, Robert Kennedy Jr. has continued to stand his ground in his run for President as an independent. According to Kennedy’s campaign, enough signatures have been received for ballot access in all 50 states. Additionally, they have said that in 17 states it is officially on the ballot.
Despite this, his campaign took a bit of a hit when New York invalidated RFK’s petition to get his name on the state ballot. This was due to him using a New York address to claim residency in the state rather than using his real address which is in Los Angeles, California.
This was done to “maintain his voter registration and to further his political aspirations” says Christina Ryba who is a part of the Supreme Court of New York. “Using a friend’s address for political and voting purposes, while barely stepping foot on the premises, does not equate to residency under the Election Law”, she continued.
If the decision is upheld, many believe that the ultimate decision made in New York will have an impact on how officials in other states view RFK. Keith Gaddie, a political science professor at Texas Christian University, is one of those people. He said, “The question is whether or not in other states where they have similar criteria it could be used to disqualify RFK Jr. from the ballot…It may not happen everywhere, but it will happen somewhere else.”
