A surprising decision by an Illinois judge has removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot citing the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.” The move comes amid ongoing legal battles challenging Trump’s eligibility for office.
The judge’s ruling, which is currently on hold pending an appeal from Trump, follows a similar challenge in Colorado that is awaiting a decision from the US Supreme Court. The Illinois judge referenced the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision in support of removing Trump from the ballot.
The decision has significant implications for the upcoming primary elections in Illinois, with the State Board of Elections instructed to exclude Trump from the ballot or suppress any votes cast for him in the General Primary Election on March 19, 2024.
This marks the third state where Trump has been barred from the ballot, following similar rulings in Colorado and Maine. Trump has the option to appeal the decision in Illinois state courts, where he has previously succeeded in similar legal battles in other states.
The challenge against Trump in Illinois was brought forth by a group of voters in collaboration with Free Speech For People, a legal advocacy group. The case raised questions about the events of January 6, 2021, and whether they constituted an “insurrection” that could disqualify Trump from running for office.
Trump’s legal team argued that the events were a political riot rather than a coordinated insurrection. They emphasized that Trump had certified his qualifications to run for office as required by Illinois law, despite facing allegations of inciting the Capitol riot.
The ruling in Illinois adds another layer to the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump’s eligibility for office. It underscores the complex legal and political challenges facing the former president as he seeks to reenter the political arena. CNN’s reporting by Katelyn Polantz and Eric Bradner contributed to the coverage of this evolving story.
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