A Michigan state judge ruled on Sept. 3 that independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. must remain on the November ballot in the battleground state of Michigan, despite suspending his campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump. Kennedy had qualified for Michigan’s general election ballot in April after accepting a nomination from the Natural Law Party.
In August, Kennedy announced the suspension of his campaign and his support for Trump, stating that a vote for him in battleground states could potentially draw votes away from Trump. He sought to have his name removed from the ballots in several states, including Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. While some states approved his request, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson rejected it, leading Kennedy to file a lawsuit against her.
The Michigan Court of Claims judge upheld Benson’s decision, stating that candidates cannot unilaterally withdraw after the primary election date. Benson also cited state law that prevents minor party candidates nominated at a state convention from withdrawing.
The ruling in Michigan comes after a similar request by Kennedy was rejected by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Kennedy has filed a lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court challenging that decision.
The situation highlights the complexities of election laws and the challenges faced by candidates seeking to withdraw from ballots. Please rewrite this sentence.
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