Cartwright v. Kennedy
This case addresses a novel question regarding the appropriate venue for challenging an independent designating/nominating petition in an Election Law case, specifically for candidates seeking statewide office. Petitioners, led by Caroline Cartwright, sought to invalidate the nominating petition of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Nicole Shanahan for President and Vice President, alleging fraud and false residency claims. Respondents-candidates moved to change venue from Dutchess County to Albany County, arguing Albany was the proper venue under CPLR 506 (b) and 22 NYCRR 202.64 (a) as the location where the New York State Board of Elections (NYSBOE) makes its determinations. The court determined that CPLR 506 (b) applied, and that "the material events" giving rise to the claims were the filing of the nominating petition and objections with NYSBOE in Albany, and NYSBOE's subsequent actions. Consequently, the court granted the respondents-candidates' motion, ordering the transfer of the case from Dutchess County to Albany County due to improper venue in Dutchess and proper venue in Albany.