NC election board postpones recognition of parties supporting Kennedy and West.
The election board of North Carolina has recently made a decision that has sparked controversy and outrage among political circles. The board has denied two political parties’ bids to nominate highly recognized figures, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Cornel West, as their candidates for the upcoming elections.
State election officials have confirmed that the We the People Party and the Justice for All Party had each submitted more than the required 13,865 valid signatures to register as political parties in preparation for the 2024 election. Despite meeting the necessary criteria, the parties faced opposition from the board.
Republican members of the election board came forward in support of the recognition of these two parties, advocating for their right to select candidates for the ballot. However, three Democrats on the board presented concerns regarding the presentation of the third parties during the signature gathering process and how voters interpreted their objectives.
As a result, a delay has been put in place to allow for further investigation into whether the parties were perceived as fully fledged political organizations or merely as conduits for Kennedy and West as “independent” candidates.
It is important to highlight that independent candidates in North Carolina face a significantly higher signature threshold of 83,188 to qualify for the ballot, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
During a meeting, Board Chair Alan Hirsch addressed leaders of We The People Party, emphasizing that the challenge was not intended to deny their party status but rather to ensure that the purpose and intent of the parties were clearly understood by those who signed the petition.
The elections board is set to reconvene on July 9 to revisit the demand for formal recognition by the two parties, shedding light on the uncertainty surrounding their potential participation in the upcoming election.
The decision by the North Carolina Board of Elections has drawn sharp criticism from the Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Whatley. Whatley accused the Democrat-controlled board of disregarding North Carolina law and undermining public trust by rejecting the qualification of Cornel West and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for the presidential ballot.
The Chairman condemned the board’s choice to delay certification as a “desperate attempt” to prevent Kennedy from appearing on the ballot, a move that some Democratic strategists have warned could impact President Biden’s prospects in November.
The controversy surrounding the decision has sparked debates about the integrity of America’s democratic institutions and the electoral process. With tensions running high, both parties are exploring all options to address this issue and ensure fair and transparent elections in the state.
