Third-party candidates have been playing a significant role in deciding key presidential battleground states in recent years. The number of candidates on the ballot state by state could greatly impact a close election. Court battles over ballot access have been ongoing, with decisions from state supreme courts in North Carolina and Michigan varying on whether certain candidates can remove themselves from the ballot. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a descendent of the Democratic Party’s storied family, initially caused concern among Democrats with his candidacy, but his support shifted towards the right in 2024, potentially drawing voters who might support Trump. There are other third-party candidates on key state ballots that could also influence the November results. Michigan and Wisconsin are expected to have crowded presidential ballots, while other states will have fewer third-party options. Democrats have experienced defeats in the past due to a robust third-party vote, but in 2020, with a lower third-party share, Joe Biden defeated Trump. The presence of third-party candidates on the ballot has historically impacted election outcomes, and with key states being decided by small margins, which candidates make it onto the ballot matters. The situation is subject to change pending future court decisions and ballot certifications. At the moment, third-party candidates’ efforts for battleground ballot access are significant.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
