Many Illinois and Massachusetts residents have worked to remove Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot. In Illinois, a challenge filed with liberal advocacy group Free Speech For People asks the Illinois Board of Elections to hold a hearing and remove Trump from primary and general election ballots.
Legal Challenges Mount as Trump Faces Ballot Eligibility Questions After Capitol Attack
Trump’s claimed involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack is challenged under the 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist restriction. The petition claims Trump violated the Fourteenth Amendment by inciting insurrection after swearing to protect the Constitution. It further argues that Trump has not apologized for his followers’ violence or the Capitol attack.
Meanwhile, the same advocacy group has challenged Trump’s eligibility for Massachusetts’ primary and general presidential election ballots. The challengers include former Boston Mayor Kim Janey, a Democrat, and Republican, Independent, and Democratic voters.
The legal challenges arise as the US Supreme Court reviews a Colorado state court verdict that disqualified Trump from running for office. Although the Colorado order applies just to that state, a Supreme Court decision might affect the entire. Depending on the state, election officials or courts handle such issues. Maine’s secretary of state withdrew Trump from the 2024 primary ballot, prompting Trump’s team to appeal in state court.
READ ALSO: Trump asks US Supreme Court to overturn Colorado ruling removing him from ballot
Trump Ballot Eligibility Challenges Continue in Oregon, Michigan, and Minnesota
A similar attempt to remove Trump from Oregon’s primary and general election ballots owing to his role in the January 6 rebellion is scheduled to be decided by the Supreme Court. However, Michigan and Minnesota judges overturned Trump’s primary ballot bans. The challenges’ advocacy group, Free Speech for the People, supports Oregon, Michigan, and Minnesota removal attempts.
These legal disputes highlight the ongoing disagreement over Trump’s 2024 ballot eligibility, with states taking different methods. The issues reflect a larger dispute over how Trump’s conduct and position on January 6 will affect his capacity to run in future elections.
READ ALSO: Illinois and Massachusetts voters seek to take Trump off 2024 ballot