Kennedy, who had terminated his independent campaign and thrown his support behind former President Donald Trump, contended that the presence of his name on the ballot suggested he was still in the race, thereby violating his First Amendment rights.
According to Straight Arrow News, state officials from Michigan and Wisconsin retorted that it was too late to erase Kennedy's name, given that voting was already in progress. Michigan disclosed that over 1.5 million absentee ballots had been returned, supplemented by an additional 264,000 early votes. Wisconsin reported the return of more than 858,000 absentee ballots.
WATCH: TRUMP ENTERING MICHIGAN RALLY WITH UNDERTAKER SONG
The Supreme Court justices, as is customary with emergency appeals, did not provide an explanation for their decision. However, Justice Neil Gorsuch expressed dissent in the Michigan case, citing concerns about the timing of Kennedy's initial request.
WATCH: FETTERMAN DESCRIBES TRUMPS CONNECTION WITH PENNSYLVANIANS
Kennedy had previously sought to remain on the New York ballot but later altered his strategy, requesting removal in swing states in an attempt to consolidate votes for Trump. Michigan and Wisconsin are the final states where voters will see his name. This move underscores the importance of these states in the electoral landscape and the lengths to which candidates will go to secure votes for their preferred candidate.
October 30, 2024