MADISON, Wis. — In a significant shift for electoral procedures, Wisconsin’s Democratic governor, Tony Evers, has signed a new law that allows candidates to withdraw their names from state and federal ballots. The legislation aims to rectify an issue that surfaced when Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate in the presidential race, sought to exit the ballot in multiple swing states, including Wisconsin.
Previously, Wisconsin's election law allowed a candidate's name to be removed from the ballot solely in the event of their death. Kennedy's situation highlighted the need for reform, as he wished to retract his candidacy after endorsing President Donald Trump.
Under the newly enacted law, candidates must submit a sworn statement to the Wisconsin Elections Commission and pay a nominal fee to complete the withdrawal process. Nonetheless, the provisions of this law do not apply to major party candidates, due to the unique selection processes they undergo. Thus, only independent candidates like Kennedy can take advantage of this change.
Kennedy successfully managed to remove his name from ballots across key states, including Pennsylvania and Georgia, but faced legal roadblocks in Wisconsin and Michigan, where his requests were made after the deadlines had passed.
Gov. Evers signed the measure anonymously without public comments, signaling a notable legislative enhancement to candidate rights in Wisconsin's electoral landscape.
Previously, Wisconsin's election law allowed a candidate's name to be removed from the ballot solely in the event of their death. Kennedy's situation highlighted the need for reform, as he wished to retract his candidacy after endorsing President Donald Trump.
Under the newly enacted law, candidates must submit a sworn statement to the Wisconsin Elections Commission and pay a nominal fee to complete the withdrawal process. Nonetheless, the provisions of this law do not apply to major party candidates, due to the unique selection processes they undergo. Thus, only independent candidates like Kennedy can take advantage of this change.
Kennedy successfully managed to remove his name from ballots across key states, including Pennsylvania and Georgia, but faced legal roadblocks in Wisconsin and Michigan, where his requests were made after the deadlines had passed.
Gov. Evers signed the measure anonymously without public comments, signaling a notable legislative enhancement to candidate rights in Wisconsin's electoral landscape.
