RFK Jr denied NY ballot access over 'false' address, judge rules

A New York judge has ruled that Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who is running as an independent candidate for president, does not meet the requirements to be on the state's election ballot. The judge, Christina Ryba, stated that Kennedy's claim of having a New York address as his 'place of residence' was a 'false statement. ' Because of this, the petitions he submitted to be on the ballot were deemed invalid. Kennedy has rejected this ruling and plans to appeal, meaning he will seek a higher court's review of the decision. If the ruling is upheld, it would not only prevent Kennedy from appearing on the New York ballot but could also create challenges in other states where he has used the same address. Kennedy has characterized the ruling as a partisan attack, pointing out that the judge is a Democrat. He stated, 'They aren’t confident they can win at the ballot box, so they are trying to stop voters from having a choice. ' He remains determined, saying, 'We will appeal and we will win. ' Kennedy, who is 70 years old, argued in court that he has considered New York his home since he was a child and that he intends to return. However, he currently resides in California, where he moved in 2014 to be with his wife, Cheryl Hines, who is known for her role in the show Curb Your Enthusiasm. In court, Kennedy claimed that he has been renting a bedroom from a friend named Barbara Moss, who lives about 40 miles north of Manhattan. Moss testified that she charges Kennedy $500 a month for the room, but there is no written lease agreement. Kennedy also presented evidence of his residency by showing that he pays New York state taxes and has a law practice in the state. However, Judge Ryba, in her 34-page ruling, stated that 'the overwhelming credible evidence introduced at trial' indicated that Kennedy only claimed a New York address for 'political standing. ' The judge expressed skepticism about Kennedy's assertion that he could return to live in the small bedroom with his wife, family members, multiple pets, and all of his personal belongings, calling it 'highly improbable, if not preposterous. ' Kennedy is currently the most recognized independent candidate, but his popularity seems to have declined since Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris entered the race.