Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

On ballot

In progress

Battleground state

Del.

N.H.

N.J.

Jill Stein

On ballot

In progress

Failed to qualify

Battleground state

Del.

Cornel West

On ballot

In progress

Failed to qualify

Battleground state

Green Party

On ballot

In progress

Failed to qualify

Battleground state

Del.

Libertarian Party

On ballot

In progress

Failed to qualify

Battleground state

Conn.

Del.

Md.

Mass.

Note: Attempts at ballot access are designated as “in progress” in states where election officials confirmed they received paperwork from a campaign or party but have not yet approved or denied the bid; and in states where an independent candidate has announced reaching the signature threshold to qualify. Jill Stein's access to ballots in states where the Green Party is a recognized political party is contingent on her winning the party's nomination. The Green Party will choose between a slate of candidates at a convention in July.

For presidential candidates who are not the Republican or Democratic Party nominee, getting on the ballot for the general election is a state-by-state, make-or-break scramble. The maps above depict the status of two independent candidates — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West — and the Green Party.

The New York Times determined ballot status by checking campaign statements with state officials. “On the ballot” means the state has confirmed the candidate or party will be on the ballot. “In progress” means the campaign or party says it has secured enough signatures to apply for ballot status, but either hasn’t been formally approved or hasn’t submitted the petition. In many states, campaigns are still in the process of gathering signatures, which is not depicted – some deadlines are not until August or September.

Each state has unique (and sometimes confusing) election laws, and the process for qualifying as a minor party — like the Green Party — is typically different from the process of getting on the ballot as an independent candidate, like the Mr. West or Mr. Kennedy, neither of whom have a national party affiliation. Jill Stein, a lawyer who was the Green Party’s presidential candidate in 2012 and 2016, is expected to be named the party’s nominee at their August convention.

Though it depends on the state, the Green Party, like other minor national parties, typically secures ballot access by virtue of its performance in a preceding election. Independent candidates either have to gather tens of thousands of signatures – often under strict rules that vary from state to state – or get on the ballot through another minor party, as Mr. Kennedy did in Michigan.