MADISON, Wis. (AP) — In a significant move towards electoral reform, Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor, Tony Evers, has signed a bipartisan bill allowing candidates to withdraw their names from the ballot. This legislative change responds to issues raised during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent independent presidential campaign, where he sought to rescind his candidacy in several swing states, including Wisconsin.
Under the previous law, the only condition under which a certified candidate's name could be removed was if they passed away. This rigid restriction led to considerable debate when Kennedy, who later endorsed Republican Donald Trump, attempted to remove his name following his withdrawal from the presidential race.
In late August, Kennedy expressed his intent to withdraw from ballots in six swing states, yet encountered legal hurdles in states such as Michigan and Wisconsin, where the law did not permit such withdrawals. Instead, he was able to successfully remove himself from ballots in Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada.
The new Wisconsin law, regarded as one of the most restrictive removal laws in the country by the National Conference of State Legislatures, permits state and federal office candidates to rescind their candidacy. However, it notably excludes major party candidates due to their distinct selection processes. Independent candidates like Kennedy can now withdraw their names - a move he had to fight in the courts, reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately dismissed his emergency request.
To withdraw, candidates are required to submit a sworn statement to the Wisconsin Elections Commission along with a nominal fee. The law aims to provide some flexibility for independent candidates navigating the electoral landscape.
During the recent elections, Kennedy garnered fewer than 18,000 votes in Wisconsin, approximately 0.5% of the total votes, and around 27,000 votes in Michigan, also about 0.5%. Trump won both states, largely overshadowing Kennedy's independent campaign performance.
As part of the changing political landscape, Kennedy is currently serving as Trump’s Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
