Former President Donald Trump has been removed from Maine’s presidential primary ballot by the state’s Democratic secretary of state, Shenna Bellows. This decision was made under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.
The move comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to decide whether Trump remains eligible to continue his campaign. Bellows’ decision follows a similar ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court and has been stayed until the U.S. Supreme Court makes its decision.
Trump’s campaign has vowed to appeal Bellows’ decision to Maine’s state courts, and she has suspended her ruling until a decision is reached. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to have the final say on whether Trump appears on the ballot in Maine and other states.
Bellows found that Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. She stated in her 34-page decision that she did not reach this conclusion lightly, acknowledging that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section 3. However, she also emphasized that no presidential candidate has ever engaged in insurrection before.
The Trump campaign immediately criticized the ruling, calling it an “attempted theft of an Election and the disenfranchisement of the American voter.”
The significance of Bellows’ decision lies in the need for the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify what actions states can take under Section 3. Maine has just four electoral votes, but it is one of two states to split them, making the potential absence of Trump from the ballot significant.
Trump’s removal from the ballot in Maine represents a rare instance of a state official taking unilateral action to prevent a former president from running for office. This sets the stage for an important legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for future elections.
Bellows’ decision has drawn praise from a bipartisan group of former lawmakers who challenged Trump’s position on the ballot, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and the constitution.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s eligibility to appear on the ballot under Section 3 has sparked nationwide debates and legal challenges. It has also underscored the need for definitive guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court on this matter.
In summary, the decision to exclude Trump from Maine’s presidential primary ballot marks a significant development in a complex and unprecedented legal battle, with implications that extend beyond the state’s borders. As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on this issue, the outcome of this case will likely shape the future of electoral law and the standards for presidential candidates.
Read More Health-news/” target=”_blank”>Health News
