A legal challenge was filed on Thursday to prevent third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from appearing on Pennsylvania's fall ballot. The petition argues that Kennedy's nominating papers show a disregard for state law and the signature-gathering process, citing numerous ineligible signatures and defects such as torn documents and questionable handwriting patterns.
Kennedy, a member of the Democratic family, has faced similar challenges in other states. His independent candidacy could impact the swing-state battle between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania, a state with 19 electoral votes and a closely divided electorate.
In addition to the challenge against Kennedy, separate legal actions were taken against Party for Socialism and Liberation candidate Claudia De la Cruz and Constitution Party candidate James N. Clymer. The challenge to De la Cruz's nomination papers alleges that seven electors failed to disaffiliate from the Democratic Party, making them ineligible. Another claim states that there are ineligible signatures and other defects in the paperwork.
Similarly, the challenge against Clymer questions the inclusion of required candidate affidavits and seeks to disqualify him and his running mate from the ballot. These legal disputes come as the presidential contest in Pennsylvania heats up, with the state playing a pivotal role in the upcoming election.
