Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows appealed a court ruling that delayed a judgement on the validity of former president Donald Trump’s removal from the 2024 primary ballot under the US Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment.
Much earlier, Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy had delayed ruling on the case, pending the final decision of the US Supreme Court in Trump v. Anderson, another lawsuit involving Trump’s removal from the Colorado ballot.
This saga began when Bellows disqualified Trump from the ballot in response to challenges by Maine voters. Trump istreamed to court en route. The Maine election law enables voters to challenge the validity of a candidate’s petition for candidacy. Furthermore, it necessitates the Secretary of State to review these challenges while also ensuring candidates meet other constitutional requirements. Removing Trump, the Secretary of State referenced Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment, disarmingly titled the ‘insurrection clause’. This clause disqualifies candidates who have engaged in ‘insurrection’ against the US government.
While asserting the importance of speedy resolution before the upcoming primary, Bellows also indicated anticipation for the Supreme Court’s position.
Trump’s eligibility for the ballot has been challenged in several states including Colorado where the issue is still pending. At least 14 states have litigations on this matter in progress. However, state laws have influenced officials’ choices. For instance, California’s state law compelled Secretary of State Shirley Weber to refuse removal of Trump from the ballot, citing a dearth of authority.
Nevertheless, some state officials like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have tirelessly campaigned to overturn the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision by joining an amicus brief. They aver that the Colorado decision was imperilled by partisan politics, which could consequently undermine the confidence of the American populace in the electoral process.