This story originally appeared on Spotlight PA.
His running mate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and at least nine third-party candidates face challenges that could lead to their exclusion from the Pennsylvania general election ticket on November 5.
The petition against Kennedy, an independent candidate and member of a dynastic Democratic family who became known as a vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist, was apparently filed with the support of Clear Choice Action, a political action committee formed by allies of President Joe Biden to challenge third-party candidates and independent candidates.
In a state where the last presidential election was decided by just tens of thousands of votes, Kennedy’s turnout in Pennsylvania could impact whether Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump takes home the state’s coveted electoral votes. Recent polls put Kennedy at about 3% support among Commonwealth voters.
Objections to several other candidates had been filed in Commonwealth Court by Thursday’s 5 p.m. deadline.
The petition against Kennedy and his running mate Nicole Shanahan makes several arguments, including that Kennedy gave a false home address and that the candidates did not submit enough signatures.
The Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s Office advises third-party presidential candidates that it will accept nomination papers with 5,000 signatures, but it also advises candidates that this standard — which is much lower than that required by the state’s election law — is based on a court ruling that specifically applies to the Constitution Party, the Green Party and the Libertarian Party.
“A voter or other interested party could file an objection against a candidate whose nomination papers contain only 5,000 signatures, which would have to be decided by the state judiciary,” the agency warns.
The petition argues that Kennedy’s nomination papers do not meet either standard. The complaint alleges that the candidate submitted 23,680 lines of signatures that contained “numerous improper signatures and defects.”
Two Pennsylvania voters are listed as petitioners, but Clear Choice Action is involved in the appeal, according to a statement obtained by the Inquirer. The PAC has filed similar appeals in other states, including New York and Illinois.
One of the attorneys who filed the petition referred questions to a representative of Clear Choice Action, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Two separate challenges are directed at the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Socialism and Liberation Party: Claudia De la Cruz and Karina Garcia.
One petition questions the eligibility of some of the party’s presidential electors. The other petition, filed by the same voters who objected to Kennedy, also targets the number of signatures submitted.
Another objection aims to disqualify the entire list of candidates of the ultra-conservative Constitution Party, which is close to the Christian right and is based in Lancaster.
