New Hampshire’s Secretary of State, David Scanlan, has voiced concerns about possible turmoil in the forthcoming elections if some states disqualify former President Donald Trump from their ballots based on the 14th Amendment, while others do not.
On September 13, 2023, NBC News highlighted the debate surrounding the 14th Amendment’s Section 3, which might prevent individuals implicated in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. from holding office.
At a press briefing, Scanlan stressed the importance of a standardized decision across states on this matter, pointing out potential chaos if Trump’s name appears in some state ballots but not in others. “The inconsistency could lead to widespread confusion, resentment, and turmoil,” he cautioned.
The discussion on Trump’s 2024 ballot eligibility is heated. Legal actions rooted in the 14th Amendment have been initiated in states like Minnesota and Colorado by diverse groups. These lawsuits arise from allegations regarding Trump’s role in attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, seen by some as an act of rebellion.
Chris Ager, the chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party, supports Scanlan’s stance, believing it could defuse the ongoing tensions and pave the way for smooth campaigning.
Trump and his team have vociferously challenged these claims, dismissing them as baseless attempts to sabotage the electoral process. In a letter to Scanlan, some New Hampshire legislators, including Trump supporters, argue that these lawsuits lack legal ground and allege they misuse the Constitution to weaken democracy.
Scanlan insists on the need for straightforwardness in the election proceedings and believes constitutional issues shouldn’t convolute the delegate selection process.
The applicability of the 14th Amendment’s disqualification clause to Trump’s 2024 campaign remains a divisive matter. The outcome of state lawsuits remains to be seen, and there’s speculation about whether the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately offer a conclusive verdict on this constitutional debate.