29-2-204 (CHICAGO) An Illinois state judge, Tracie Porter, has ruled on Wednesday to bar former President Donald Trump from appearing on the Illinois Republican presidential primary ballot. This decision was based on Trump’s role in the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, the ruling’s immediate impact has been delayed due to an expected appeal by the former president.
Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter supported Illinois voters who contended that Trump violated the anti-insurrection clause of the US Constitution’s 14th Amendment. This clause disqualifies individuals from public office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States.
The judge’s decision to bar Trump from the primary ballot on March 19 and the general election ballot on November 5 aligns with similar actions taken in Colorado and Maine. Both states removed Trump from their ballots under the provisions of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This section disallows individuals who supported insurrection or rebellion from holding public office.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, responding to the Illinois decision, called it “an unconstitutional ruling” and announced a quick appeal. The former president, a frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination, faces similar challenges in other states.
The US Supreme Court, which heard arguments on February 8 related to Trump’s ballot eligibility, is likely to play a crucial role in deciding the final outcome of these cases. The Supreme Court is currently considering Trump’s challenge to his disqualification in Colorado. During oral arguments, justices expressed skepticism about states taking actions that could impact national elections, raising broader implications for Trump’s eligibility.
