Maine’s chief election officer has recently announced that former US President Donald Trump will not be eligible to participate in the state’s 2024 primary elections. This decision follows Trump’s alleged involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, at the US Capitol. Maine is now the third state to make such a decision, following similar actions by Colorado’s Supreme Court earlier this month, as reported by a major news network.
This development marks a significant milestone for those critical of Trump. They argue for the enforcement of a constitutional clause intended to safeguard the nation from individuals who threaten its democratic principles through insurrection.
Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, declared in her judgment that the events of January 6 were instigated and supported by the then-outgoing President. She emphasized that the US Constitution and Maine law mandate a response to any attack on the nation’s governmental foundations.
Both Maine and Colorado have cited the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution in their decisions. This amendment disqualifies anyone from holding office if they have previously sworn to protect the country but later participate in an insurrection.
Bellows, a member of the Democratic Party, acknowledged the gravity and unprecedented nature of her decision. She recognized the historical significance of using the 14th Amendment’s Section Three to deny a presidential candidate ballot access but also noted the extraordinary circumstances of a candidate engaging in insurrection.
Trump’s campaign has fiercely criticized the ruling, labeling it as electoral theft and an attempt to disenfranchise American voters. They described Bellows as an extreme leftist and accused President Biden and his party of using governmental power to maintain control.
The Trump campaign, represented by spokesperson Steven Cheung, has announced plans to challenge the ruling, viewing it as an unjust attack on American democracy and an overreach of governmental authority.