Mail-in ballots in North Carolina are being delayed by RFK Jr's lawsuit

The beginning of mail-in voting in North Carolina has been delayed as the state's Court of Appeals takes up a lawsuit by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , a third-party candidate for president who is seeking to be taken off the state's ballot.

Why it matters: In a Friday morning order, the North Carolina Court of Appeals blocked the state from sending out absentee ballots on Friday morning while it considers the lawsuit.

• It is unclear when voters will receive their absentee ballots. More than 130,000 people in the state had requested a mail-in ballot, according to WRAL .
• The initial deadline for sending out the ballots was Sept. 6.

Between the lines: Kennedy's appearance on the ballot could help sway the presidential race in North Carolina., a swing state where elections are decided on the margins.

Driving the news: The Court of Appeals decision overturned a previous order by a Wake County Superior Court that ruled the state should keep Kennedy on the ballot.

• Kennedy fought for months to be included on the state's ballot . The state's Board of Election certified his appearance as a candidate in July.
• But since then, Kennedy has dropped out of the presidential race, endorsed former President Trump and sued to be taken off North Carolina's ballot.

What's next: It could take the state several weeks to reprint its ballots without Kennedy's name on it, The News & Observer reported .

• The Board of Elections also can appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.

Sign up for Axios Raleigh for free.