The Kansas Supreme Court ordered Kansas election officials on Thursday to remove the name of Democrat Chad Taylor from the ballot for U.S. Senate.

Taylor withdrew from the U.S. Senate race two weeks ago and has completed all necessary requirements to have his name removed from the ballot.

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Secretary of State Kris Kobach previously argued that Taylor's name should remain on the ballots because he did not specifically say that he could no longer serve in office.

According to the Supreme Court's 10-page ruling, the paper works submitted by Taylor when he announced his withdrawal on September 3 fulfilled "the statutory requirements for the withdrawal."

The court's decision came at a sensitive time for Republicans who are counting on incumbent senator Pat Roberts to take the lead in the race. Because of Taylor's name being taken out of the ballots, voters will be left to choose only between Roberts and independent candidate Greg Orman.

In a statement released by Kobach, he said the deadline for printing overseas absentee ballots will be extended. He ordered the Democratic Party to replace Taylor with a new candidate no later than September 26.

Kobach, who is a Republican, told the press that he was disappointed with the court's ruling, adding that the court failed to address a state law, which requires a party to name a new candidate.

Additionally, Kobach said, he would study the matter and explore other possible legal options if the Democrats fail to comply.

Failure to list a new Democrat candidate could shift the votes to Orman, which will be a huge blow to the Republicans. Without any serious competition, Orman could start pursuing anti-Roberts voters and convince them to shift to his side.

According to Cory Bliss, Robert's campaign manager, the court's ruling was a "travesty" to the state and the electoral process.

TagsKansas, Senate, US Senate elections 2014, chad taylor, Democrats, Republicans, Republicans vs. Democrats