Here's who's on ballots in the 7 states likely to decide the presidential election
NPRHere's who's on ballots in the 7 states likely to decide the presidential election toggle caption Ben Gray/AP With polls showing the presidential election a toss up, the votes that third-party and independent candidates receive in key states could very well decide the White House. People linked to the major parties know this, which is why they've spent recent months trying to boost candidates they believe could hurt the opposing major party, while trying to block candidates they think could hurt their own party's prospects. Sponsor Message It's also why Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after ditching his independent presidential bid and endorsing Donald Trump, tried to get off ballots in battleground states. This year’s presidential election is also an example of how it's easier for established third parties to secure a spot on a state’s ballot, compared with independent candidates or minor political parties.