Robert Kennedy Jr. Takes His Case to the Supreme Court

Challenging Ballot Access for Presidential Candidates

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, is asking the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that rejected his challenge to the ballot access requirements for presidential candidates in New York.

In a petition filed with the court, Kennedy argues that the requirements, which include collecting signatures from at least 15,000 voters, are unconstitutional and discriminatory because they favor well-known candidates from major political parties.

Kennedy is running for president as an independent candidate. He has been critical of the two-party system and has called for a more democratic and transparent electoral process.

The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to take up Kennedy's case. However, if it does, the ruling could have a significant impact on the upcoming presidential election.

Background on the Case

In 2020, Kennedy filed a lawsuit challenging the New York State Board of Elections' requirement that presidential candidates collect signatures from at least 15,000 voters in order to appear on the ballot.

Kennedy argued that the requirement was unconstitutional because it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. He also argued that it was discriminatory because it favored well-known candidates from major political parties.

A federal district court dismissed Kennedy's lawsuit, ruling that the requirement was constitutional and that it did not discriminate against minor party candidates.

Kennedy's Appeal to the Supreme Court

In his petition to the Supreme Court, Kennedy argues that the lower court ruling was wrong. He contends that the requirement violates the Equal Protection Clause because it treats minor party candidates differently from major party candidates.

Kennedy also argues that the requirement is discriminatory because it has a disparate impact on minority voters. He notes that minority voters are more likely to vote for minor party candidates, and that the requirement makes it more difficult for them to do so.

Potential Impact of the Supreme Court's Ruling

If the Supreme Court agrees to hear Kennedy's case, the ruling could have a significant impact on the upcoming presidential election.

If the Court strikes down the requirement, it would make it easier for minor party candidates to appear on the ballot. This could lead to more competition in the presidential race, and it could give voters more choice.

However, if the Court upholds the requirement, it would make it more difficult for minor party candidates to get on the ballot. This could lead to a less competitive presidential race, and it could give voters less choice.