What's happened
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has qualified for the Utah presidential ballot as an independent candidate, marking the first state where he has met the signature requirement.
Why it matters
This event is significant as it marks the first state where Kennedy has qualified for the presidential ballot, potentially impacting the 2024 election as an independent candidate.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Kennedy has drawn support from disaffected Democrats, Republicans, and independents, while The Independent highlights his anti-vaxx stance and the division among voters. The South China Morning Post and France 24 emphasize Kennedy's criticism of the barriers to ballot access for independent candidates and his aim to challenge the dominance of major political parties.
How we got here
In October, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his independent bid for the White House after leaving the Democratic Party. He has gained prominence for his promotion of conspiracy theories and has faced challenges in achieving ballot access in multiple states.
More on these topics
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Utah is a state in the western United States. It is bordered by Colorado to the east, Wyoming to the northeast, Idaho to the north, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. It also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast.
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The Associated Press is an American not-for-profit news agency headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1846, it operates as a cooperative, unincorporated association. Its members are U.S. newspapers and broadcasters.