Former US President Donald Trump remains on the upcoming Illinois primary election ballot for the 2024 presidential election cycle, thanks to a recent decision from the Illinois State Board of Elections. Releasing the vote results on Tuesday, the bipartisan board unanimously expressed that attempts to challenge Trump’s candidacy are more suitably addressed through the courts rather than the board itself. Decision details can be found here.
The challenge in question, similar to others the US Supreme Court is set to address from Colorado, pertains to Trump’s eligibility to appear on the state’s ballot. The basis lies in Section 3 of the US Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment—more commonly referred to as the “disqualification clause.”
The board’s decision was guided by the recommendations of retired Judge Clark Erickson, who had previously presided over a detailed evidentiary hearing on the issue. Erickson advised the board that it lacks the legal authorization to engage in a complex constitutional analysis concerning Trump’s prominent role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, the central matter in the disqualification challenge.
Last month, a group of Illinois voters contested Trump’s eligibility to appear on the state’s ballot under section 3. The group pointed to Trump’s involvement in the Capitol riot and his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, which led to his loss to President Joe Biden. Following the board’s decision, they asserted in a statement that they plan immediate appeals and anticipate that the issues will be resolved favorably by the Illinois courts. You can view the original contestation document here.
Trump shared his response to the board’s decision on his Truth Social platform, where he heralded the decision as a victory against what he termed “Radical Left Lunatics.” You can view his full commentary here.
It’s crucial to note that the former president faces similar challenges in dozens of states. Two instances of note from Colorado and Maine determined he’s ineligible to appear on their respective state ballots. Both decisions are on hold while the US Supreme Court ponders an appeal from Colorado. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on February 8. You can view related court order here.