Invalid Signatures Threaten Kennedy’s Bid for Texas Ballot
In a recent development, the Texas Democratic Party has raised concerns about the validity of the signatures submitted by independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The party claims that nearly 70% of the signatures collected by the Kennedy campaign are invalid, casting doubt on his eligibility to appear on the state’s ballot.
Democrats Challenge Kennedy’s Candidacy
According to a letter addressed to Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s office, the Texas Democratic Director of Voter Protection stated that Kennedy had failed to meet the required number of signatures to qualify for the November 2024 general election ballot. An internal review by Democrats found that a significant percentage of the initial 245,000 signatures submitted by Kennedy were deemed invalid.
Furthermore, Democrats have raised objections to Kennedy’s requests to be listed on the ballot in several other states, including Delaware, Georgia, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York. To be eligible to appear on Texas’ ballot, Kennedy needs to secure 113,151 valid signatures, a requirement that he appears to fall short of even with the remaining signatures.
Texas Democrats Call for Transparency and Legality
Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa emphasized the importance of adhering to legal requirements in the electoral process. He stated that it is crucial for candidates to navigate the system transparently and lawfully, in the best interest of democracy. Hinojosa criticized Kennedy’s campaign for allegedly trying to manipulate the system with a large number of invalid signatures, calling for the rejection of his application by the Secretary of State’s Office.
In response, the Kennedy campaign defended its signature collection efforts, citing a record-breaking submission of 245,000 signatures in Texas. The campaign asserted that an independent verification company had confirmed the sufficiency of the signatures to secure a spot on the ballot. Despite the challenges posed by the Democratic National Committee, the campaign expressed confidence in overcoming them in Texas.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the validity of signatures raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the need for stringent verification procedures to ensure the fairness of candidates’ appearances on the ballot. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of transparent and legal practices in electoral campaigns.
