Map shows where RFK Jr. is on the ballot in the 2024 election

Washington — Unlike the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced a costly and time-consuming process to appear on general election ballots as an independent candidate. 

Rules vary from state to state, but independent candidates typically have to collect thousands of signatures or be supported by a minor party in order to apply for ballot access. 

Kennedy opted to run as an independent last October, abandoning his Democratic primary bid. Since then, Democrats and Republicans have questioned whether the independent candidate would pull support from their voters.