Key takeaways:
- Maine’s Secretary of State ruled that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s primary ballot in 2021 due to his role in the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol.
- The ruling cites Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which states that no person who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the United States can hold office or appear on the ballot.
- The ruling is part of a national effort to disqualify Trump from appearing on ballots in future elections, and it is unclear at this time whether Trump will appeal the decision.
Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, ruled on Thursday that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s primary ballot in 2021 due to his role in the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol.
The ruling cites Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which states that no person who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against” the United States can hold office or appear on the ballot. Bellows noted that the compressed timeframe, novel constitutional questions, importance of the case, and impending ballot preparation deadlines were all factors in her decision.
Bellows’ office said that her decision will not be enforced until the courts weigh in. The ruling notes that a challenger or candidate can appeal the decision to the Maine Superior Court. If an appeal is not filed, the decision will take effect after the time to appeal has expired.
The ruling is part of a national effort to disqualify Trump from appearing on ballots in future elections. Trump has been accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, and this ruling could set a precedent for similar cases in other states.
It is unclear at this time whether Trump will appeal the decision. If he does, the Maine Superior Court will have the final say in the matter.
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