Maine Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, has disqualified former US President, Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 presidential primary ballot. Bellows’ controversial decision relied on Section 3 of the US Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment.
This Amendment, specifically the same provision, was recently cited by the Colorado Supreme Court in their decision to remove Trump from Colorado’s primary ballot as well. Section 3, also known as the “Insurrection Clause,” has a potential disqualification merit for individuals who have engaged in insurrection from holding office in the US.
“I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection,” Bellows clarified her groundbreaking action in a 34-page decision.
As per the implications of this decision, it is expected that the issue will be taken before the US Supreme Court. It is worth noting that the highest court in the land has not previously spoken to the applicability of the Insurrection Clause to presidential candidates.
This legal novelty surely has fired up intense discussions and debates in the community. More updates regarding further developments in this story can be found at JURIST News.