Days after telling a standing-room-only crowd at a Salt Lake City campaign stop that he will “make history” in the 2024 presidential election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed a lawsuit against Utah officials citing an “unconstitutional early filing deadline” that prevents ballot access for independent presidential candidates.
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and Ryan Cowley, the Director of Elections of the State of Utah, were named as defendants.
The legal action challenges Utah’s Jan. 8 deadline mandating that independent presidential candidates collect and verify 1,000 signatures from qualified voters.
“No state in the history of the United States has sought to impose such an early date to collect, validate and file ballot access petitions to secure ballot access for the general election to be held on the far-off date of Nov. 5, 2024,” the lawsuit reads….
Days after holding a standing-room-only campaign rally in Salt Lake City where he declared he would “make history” in the 2024 presidential election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed a lawsuit against Utah officials over the state’s “unconstitutional early filing deadline” for independent presidential candidates.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, names Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and Ryan Cowley, the Director of Elections of the State of Utah, as defendants. It challenges Utah’s requirement that independent presidential candidates collect and verify 1,000 signatures from qualified voters by January 8th, 2024, in order to appear on the November 5th, 2024 general election ballot.
Kennedy’s Argument:
The lawsuit argues that the January 8th deadline is unconstitutional because it “imposes an undue burden on independent candidates” and “significantly restricts their ability to compete with major party candidates.” It also states that “no state in the history of the United States has sought to impose such an early date to collect, validate and file ballot access petitions to secure ballot access for the general election to be held on the far-off date of Nov. 5, 2024.”
Legal Implications:
The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the state of Utah from enforcing the January 8th deadline. It also seeks a declaratory judgment that the deadline is unconstitutional and an order requiring the state to change the deadline to a date that is “fair and reasonable.”
Potential Impact:
If successful, Kennedy’s lawsuit could have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential election in Utah. It could open the door for more independent candidates to appear on the ballot, potentially making the race more competitive and giving voters a wider range of choices.
Reaction from Utah Officials:
The Utah Attorney General’s office has not yet commented on the lawsuit. However, some state lawmakers have defended the early filing deadline, arguing that it is necessary to ensure that all candidates have a fair and equal chance to compete.
The Future of the Lawsuit:
It remains to be seen how the court will rule on Kennedy’s lawsuit. The case could have implications for other states with similar early filing deadlines for independent presidential candidates.