MADISON, Wis. (AP) — In a significant move to reform the electoral process, Wisconsin's Democratic Governor Tony Evers signed a bipartisan bill on Friday allowing candidates to withdraw their names from ballots. The legislation addresses a previously highlighted issue when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attempted to remove his presidential candidacy from the ballot last year.
Until now, Wisconsin was among the states with one of the most restrictive ballot removal laws, only permitting a candidate's withdrawal in the case of death. This change permits candidates who, like Kennedy—who ran as an independent in the 2024 presidential race—wish to withdraw, to do so in state and federal elections.
Governor Evers signed the bill into law without public comments, but the implications of this legislation are profound for future elections.
The new law stipulates that to withdraw, candidates must submit a sworn statement to the Wisconsin Elections Commission alongside a nominal fee. This flexibility is particularly relevant for independent candidates, allowing them to adjust their candidacies based on changing political circumstances, unlike major party candidates.
Kennedy’s withdrawal efforts were a notable instance where candidates found themselves unable to exit the race due to existing laws. While he succeeded in overturning his candidacy in several swing states like Pennsylvania and Georgia, he did not manage to secure his removal in Michigan and Wisconsin due to timing and legal restrictions.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, this law may set a precedent for other states and shift the dynamics in candidate management in future elections.
