Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, has announced that Donald J. Trump will be barred from appearing on the state’s primary election ballot. This decision comes after claims that Trump’s efforts to remain in power after the 2020 election rendered him ineligible for re-election. Bellows cited Trump’s role in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as the basis for her decision, agreeing with citizens who claimed he incited an insurrection, thus violating the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Colorado’s Supreme Court also ruled against Trump’s appearance on their Republican primary ballot last week.
This decision in Maine highlights the ongoing tensions in the United States regarding democracy, ballot access, and the rule of law. It increases the urgency for the U.S. Supreme Court to address the politically explosive dispute over Trump’s eligibility. Lawyers on both sides are asking the court to provide guidance on an obscure constitutional amendment enacted after the Civil War that is central to the effort to block Trump from running for president again.
While courts in Minnesota and Michigan have ruled in favor of including Trump on their primary ballots, another court decision is pending in Oregon. In California, Secretary of State Shirley Weber is expected to announce whether Trump will remain on the ballot for the March 5 primary.
The legal cases are based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which disqualifies individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding office. However, the criteria for meeting this disqualification has not been clearly defined by the courts or Congress. A Supreme Court decision on this matter will determine the outcome of the challenges in various states.
Trump and his lawyers view the efforts to bar him from the ballots as underhanded tactics by Democrats who fear facing him in the polls. On the other hand, groups leading the disqualification efforts argue that Trump’s attempts to subvert the 2020 election warrant extraordinary measures to protect American democracy.
This decision in Maine can be appealed to the state’s Superior Court within five days. The order will not take effect until the court rules on the appeal. Trump’s campaign has expressed its intention to file an appeal soon. Other states have seen challenges to Trump’s ballot access through the courts, but Maine has a unique requirement where registered voters must first file a petition with the secretary of state.
Legal experts believe that the U.S. Supreme Court is best suited to resolve the complex legal questions involved in these cases. A ruling in favor of Trump would shut down challenges in multiple states, while a narrower ruling could allow him to remain on specific state primary ballots but potentially be excluded from the general election ballot.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Trump remains a significant figure in the political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.