In a recent decision, the Illinois State Board of Elections voted unanimously to overrule an objection to former President Donald Trump’s eligibility to appear on the state’s primary ballot. The decision comes after a recommendation that Trump be removed for inciting an insurrection. The board, which is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, voted 8-0, stating that it did not have jurisdiction to determine Trump’s constitutional eligibility and that the power rested with the courts. As a result, Trump will remain on the ballot for the upcoming March 19 Republican primary.
Expressing his gratitude, Trump took to the social media platform Truth Social and posted, “Thank you to the Illinois State Board of Elections for ruling 8-0 in protecting the Citizens of our Country from the Radical Left Lunatics who are trying to destroy it. The VOTE was 8-0 in favor of keeping your favorite President (ME!), on the Ballot. I love Illinois. Make America Great Again!”
This decision comes in the midst of a similar case from Colorado, which is set to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court early next month. The Colorado case revolves around the argument that the 14th Amendment bars Trump from the ballot due to his role in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the building after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.
The Illinois case saw a retired judge recommend Trump’s removal from the ballot, but ultimately concluded that the decision should be left to the courts due to the complex constitutional issues involved. The judge’s opinion stated that there was a “preponderance of the evidence” proving Trump’s engagement in insurrection, making him ineligible to hold office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
Throughout these cases, Trump’s campaign has consistently asserted that efforts to block him from the ballot are attempts to disenfranchise American voters. Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, has appealed a judge’s ruling that put on hold her decision to remove Trump from the ballot until the Supreme Court rules on the Colorado case. Bellows aims to ensure Maine’s highest court has the opportunity to weigh in before the March 5 primaries.
However, the timeline remains tight as Super Tuesday approaches. With the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments in the Colorado case on February 8, there may not be enough time to meet statutory deadlines for Bellows to reissue a ruling on Trump’s ballot status and for additional appeals to be filed before Election Day.
Lawsuits in other states, including Minnesota, Michigan, Arizona, and Oregon, that aimed to block Trump from the 2024 ballot have already been dismissed on procedural grounds. The outcome of the Illinois and Colorado cases will likely have significant implications for Trump’s eligibility in future elections.
It is important to note that this article presents the information in a neutral manner, providing an overview of the Illinois case, the upcoming Supreme Court hearing, and the appeals in Maine. The article does not include any partisan bias or favoritism towards any political party or individual mentioned.
