Maine’s chief election official declared on Thursday that Donald Trump cannot constitutionally be included on the state’s primary ballot in the upcoming year.
This decision adds momentum to a nationwide initiative seeking to disqualify the former president based on his endeavors to overturn the 2020 election.
The ruling by Shenna Bellows, a Democrat and Maine’s Secretary of State, comes in the wake of a significant decision by the Colorado Supreme Court last week.
The Colorado court concluded that Trump, due to his involvement in the January 6 attack on the Capitol, is barred by the 14th Amendment from seeking office again, NBC News reported.
Bellows clarified that her decision would not be enforced immediately, pending judicial review.
She cited the time constraints, unique constitutional issues at play, the significance of the case, and impending ballot preparation deadlines as factors influencing this approach.
In a comprehensive 34-page document, Bellows stated that Trump’s actions surrounding January 6 compelled her to deem him ineligible for inclusion on the ballot.
Anticipating an appeal, Trump is likely to challenge the ruling and similar ones at the U.S. Supreme Court, making it the probable arbiter to resolve this matter.
Meanwhile, state election officials and lower courts find themselves navigating an unparalleled constitutional dilemma without immediate guidance.
Written by B.C. Begley
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B.C. Begley 