Presidential Ballot in North Carolina Likely to Lengthen with Addition of New Political Movements

Three political movements in North Carolina are shaking up the upcoming presidential election by seeking to run candidates on the fall ballot. The “We The People” party and Justice for All Party are pushing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West to be on the ballot, while the Constitution Party is also vying for official party designation.

In order to qualify, these groups had to collect at least 13,865 valid signatures from registered voters and submit their signature lists by Monday’s deadline. According to the State Board of Elections, all three groups have surpassed this threshold, but their signatures still need to be reviewed for compliance.

The addition of these new parties and presidential candidates is expected to increase the competition for North Carolina’s 16 electoral votes. With the state’s history of close margins in recent elections, the outcome remains uncertain.

Italo Medelius-Marsano, co-chair of the Justice for All Party of North Carolina, highlighted the public’s dissatisfaction with the major parties and their desire for change. He emphasized the importance of giving voters more options beyond the traditional Democratic and Republican parties.

While getting on the ballot as a candidate through a new political party is a more feasible option in North Carolina, independent candidates face a higher signature requirement. Cornel West and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have been actively working to secure ballot access in multiple states, with Kennedy already on the ballot in eight states.

The Constitution Party, which has been active in North Carolina in the past, nominated anti-abortion activist Randall Terry as its presidential candidate this year. The state board also recognized the No Labels Party last year, although the party announced it would not field a presidential candidate in the upcoming election.

Overall, the rise of these new political movements in North Carolina reflects a growing desire for alternative options and a shift away from the dominance of the two major parties. As the state board reviews the signatures and petitions, the political landscape in North Carolina is set to become even more competitive and diverse in the upcoming election.