Wisconsin Enacts Law for Candidates to Withdraw from Ballots

Mon Nov 03 2025 09:03:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new bipartisan measure allows candidates in Wisconsin to withdraw their names from election ballots, addressing previous restrictions and enabling independent candidates a pathway out.

On Friday, Wisconsin's Democratic Governor Tony Evers signed a measure allowing candidates for state and federal offices to remove their names from ballots, a significant change from past laws where candidates could only be removed if they died. The law particularly benefits independent candidates, allowing them to withdraw with a sworn statement and a fee. This move comes after notable instances such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s attempts to exit the 2024 presidential race. The law does not apply to major party candidates due to their unique selection processes.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic governor signed a bipartisan bill allowing candidates for state and federal offices to withdraw their names from ballots, addressing a significant legislative gap that arose during past elections.

The new law provides a mechanism for candidates to rescind their nominations, a practice that was previously restricted to cases of death. Under this new policy, independent candidates can now submit a sworn statement to the Wisconsin Elections Commission and pay a small fee to remove their names from the ballot.

This change comes after notable situations where candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., found themselves unable to withdraw their names from ballots despite changing political allegiances or withdrawing from races.

Governor Evers signed off on the measure without providing comments, but it marks a critical adjustment to the electoral framework in Wisconsin, making it one of the most flexible states regarding candidate withdrawals, particularly for independents.

While this law facilitates the withdrawal for independents, it notably does not include major party candidates, maintaining the unique processes those larger parties employ for their nominee selections. Kennedy's recent efforts to step back from the race have propelled this legislative change, as he successfully managed to get off ballots in multiple swing states but faced restrictions in Wisconsin.

As early voting in states like Wisconsin continues, candidates must act swiftly if they wish to leverage this new provision, highlighting the evolving landscape of electoral law in response to current political needs.