Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign has taken legal action against Nevada's Secretary of State, challenging a requirement that independent candidates must name their running mate when gathering signatures for ballot access. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of Nevada, argues that this mandate is unconstitutional.
The issue arose after the Secretary of State's office clarified guidance that could invalidate signatures collected by Kennedy Jr.'s campaign for the November ballot due to the absence of a listed running mate on the petition. Kennedy Jr.'s team claims they had received prior approval to collect signatures without naming a vice-presidential candidate.
The campaign asserts that the requirement to name a running mate on the petition violates the 1st Amendment and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. They argue that the Secretary's actions could potentially nullify petition signatures protected by the highest First Amendment standards.
In response, Kennedy Jr. selected Nicole Shanahan as his running mate in late March, after the petition submission. The Secretary of State's office acknowledged providing inaccurate guidance to independent candidates and clarified the need for a running mate on petitions in March.
Independent candidates in Nevada have until July 5 to submit petitions with sufficient signatures for ballot access. Secretary Aguilar emphasized the state's history of accommodating independent and third-party candidates who comply with the law and expressed readiness to address the matter in court.
Kennedy Jr. aims to secure ballot access in states with at least 270 electoral votes by June 20 to qualify for a CNN debate with President Biden and former President Trump. Nevada's six electoral votes could aid his efforts, though additional support is required to meet the threshold.
The upcoming debate is crucial for Kennedy's campaign strategy, allowing him to present himself as a viable candidate despite financial challenges. Both Biden and Trump supporters have expressed concerns about Kennedy's impact on the election due to his unique perspectives and prominent family name.
As the legal battle unfolds and the race for ballot access intensifies, the outcome remains uncertain. Polling on third-party candidates at this stage is notoriously unreliable, making it difficult to predict Kennedy's influence on the election.
