In a controversial decision, Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, has ruled that former President Donald Trump is barred from running for president in the state’s primary ballot. This decision follows a similar ruling by Colorado’s state Supreme Court, citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which disqualifies candidates who have “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the United States from holding federal elected office.
The Trump campaign has criticized both decisions, accusing Bellows of election interference on behalf of President Biden. However, Bellows stated that her decision was based on her oath to uphold the Constitution and was not influenced by politics or personal views. She explained that she was required to issue a decision after registered voters challenged Trump’s qualification for the ballot.
During a hearing, Bellows carefully reviewed evidence that the violence on January 6, 2021, occurred with the knowledge and support of the outgoing president. She emphasized that the riot was an attack on the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power, stating that the United States Constitution does not tolerate such assaults on the foundations of the government.
The decisions in Maine and Colorado have received backlash from Trump supporters, GOP officials, and even some liberal Democrats who view them as overreach. Representative Jared Golden, D-Maine, who voted to impeach Trump for his role in the January 6 riot, criticized Bellows’ decision, arguing that voters should be able to vote for Trump until he is found guilty of the crime of insurrection.
Responding to her critics, Bellows clarified that the Constitution does not require Trump to be convicted to be barred from the ballot. She encouraged people to read her decision and Section 3 of the 14th Amendment carefully. Bellows also emphasized that the case will now go through the court system, starting with Maine Superior Court, then the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court.
Bellows suspended her decision from taking effect pending court review of the actions in Maine and Colorado. Trump is expected to appeal both decisions, and the case will likely be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court before January 20, the deadline for military and overseas voters to receive their ballots for Maine’s presidential primary on March 5.
Maine’s Secretary of State expressed hope for a Supreme Court decision that would clarify Trump’s eligibility to run for president. She emphasized the compressed timeline faced by the courts in Maine and stated that she welcomes resolution on the matter.
Overall, the decision to bar Trump from Maine’s presidential primary ballot has sparked controversy and is expected to be a subject of legal battles leading up to the 2024 election.
