Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will appear on North Carolina ballots in November

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Tuesday, July 16, 2024
NCSBE makes decision on third party candidates to appear on ballot
The group denied the bid of Justice For All, but accepted We The People's bid.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina State Board of Elections decided Tuesday to recognize We The People Party on November's ballot but voted against Justice For All Party.

There was a 4 to 1 vote in favor of We the People led by Robert F Kennedy Jr., whereas the board voted 4 to 1 against Justice For All led by Cornel West.

This decision comes after the Board of Elections agreed to allow the conservative Constitution Party on the ballot last week.

Last month, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee launched a probe into the Board of Elections. This followed the board's Democratic majority initially voted to deny the certification of these three parties.

The committee said it was concerned the decision was politically motivated. Allegations the board denied.

WATCH | NC Board of Elections to allow the Constitution Party on the 2024 November ballot

After rejecting requests of three third parties to be on the November ballot, state leaders decided to allow one of the Constitution Party on the ballot this fall.

While both We The People and Justice For All had enough signatures to appear on the ballot, the board delayed its decision after learning that some voters who signed petitions in support of the candidates did not under what they were signing.

During Tuesday's discussion, the group cited research they had done into the legitimacy of the signatures.

For the Justice For All Party, four board members including Chairman Alan Hirsch said the report showed inconsistent numbers, addresses and accounts from those allegedly signed in support of the party. Board Member Stacey Eggers believed it to be a mistake.

Despite having some hesitation, Hirsch did vote in favor of We The People to appear on the ballot.

"I am going to reluctantly vote to recognize We The People," he said, "even though, I believe there has been subterfuge fundamentally...I think that it is such a close call that ultimately a court would have to decide it."

Tuesday's remote meeting started at 10:30 a.m.

SEE ALSO | Constitution Party fighting to secure spot on NC 2024 ballot: 'Nobody owns the vote'

Three third parties are working to get on the November ballot in North Carolina.
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