Maine secretary of state disqualifies Trump from primary ballot

In Latest Decision, Maine Officials Bar Trump from 2024 Primary Ballot

In a Thursday ruling, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, determined that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from holding office or appearing on Maine’s primary ballot due to his involvement in the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol.

“The U.S. Constitution does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our government, and Section 336 requires me to act in response,” Bellows wrote in her decision, citing the constitutional violation.

Bellows acknowledged the urgency and significance of the case, opting to suspend the effect of her decision until a ruling is made on any appeal to the Superior Court.

The ruling states that it can be appealed within 5 days of its issuance.

This decision marks the first instance of an election official unilaterally taking action to determine Trump’s eligibility. According to Maine law, voters must first petition the secretary of state with challenges to a candidate’s qualifications, followed by a public hearing to present their case for invalidating the primary nomination.

Bellows expressed her awareness of the unprecedented nature of her decision, but maintained that the severity of Trump’s offense left her no choice. The decision comes in response to a previous claim by Trump’s lawyers that the secretary of state has a personal bias against him.

The Trump campaign already plans to appeal the ruling, with a spokesman denouncing the decision as an attack on the American voter’s rights.

This development in Maine follows a prior decision from the Colorado Supreme Court to bar Trump from the ballot in that state, a ruling that faces appeal at the U.S. Supreme Court.

This story is still developing and will be updated.