Wisconsin Updates Ballot Law to Allow Candidate Withdrawals

Mon Nov 03 2025 07:03:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move, Wisconsin's Governor has signed a bipartisan bill enabling candidates to remove their names from ballots, a change prompted by last year's events involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Following the recent signing of a new law by Governor Tony Evers, independent candidates in Wisconsin can now withdraw their names from ballots. This legislative change addresses a significant loophole in the state’s electoral process that previously allowed name removal only in the case of death. The law, however, does not apply to major party candidates. The approval follows controversies during the 2024 elections involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who sought to unlist himself after endorsing Donald Trump.

MADISON, Wis. (FluxDaily) — In a move set to reshape the electoral landscape in Wisconsin, Democratic Governor Tony Evers signed a bipartisan bill on Friday permitting candidates to withdraw their names from the ballot. This legislation directly addresses challenges faced last year when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attempted to exit the presidential race after endorsing Donald Trump.

Previously, Wisconsin law permitted the removal of a certified candidate’s name from ballots only upon their death, a restrictive policy highlighted by the controversy surrounding Kennedy's situation. He had been actively campaigning as an independent but sought to unlist his name in Wisconsin and other swing states once he shifted allegiance towards Trump.

The new law allows candidates across federal and state offices to submit a formal request to the Wisconsin Elections Commission along with a nominal fee to withdraw from the ballot. Notably, the legislation excludes major party candidates, maintaining their traditional selection processes.

Kennedy’s predicament spurred this change after he successfully managed to have his name removed from ballots in several states, but failed in Michigan and Wisconsin due to lacking the required legal provisions. His attempts to appeal to higher courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, met with rejection.

The updated law will now empower independent candidates to withdraw effectively, paving the way for future election dynamics. Under this new framework, prospective candidates can exercise their right to retract their candidacy without the moral and legal complexities previously faced in Wisconsin.

In the 2024 election, Kennedy attracted only about 0.5% of the vote in both Wisconsin and Michigan, which were pivotal battlegrounds ultimately won by Trump.