29-12-2023 (WASHINGTON) Maine’s Democratic Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, has taken a decisive step by removing former President Donald Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot. This move, executed under the Constitution’s insurrection clause, marks the first instance of a unilateral decision by an election official and carries potential ramifications for the Electoral College.
Maine, with its four electoral votes, is one of the two states that split them. In the 2020 election, Trump secured one of Maine’s electors. The removal of Trump from the ballot could significantly impact the electoral dynamics if he were to emerge as the Republican nominee, especially in a race that is expected to be closely contested.
The precedent for Bellows’ decision was set in December by the Colorado Supreme Court, which excluded Trump from the ballot in that state under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Despite Colorado leaning Democratic and not being a competitive state for Republicans, the decision in Maine raises questions about the potential influence of such actions on the broader electoral landscape.
Secretary of State Bellows justified her ruling by asserting that Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol violated Section 3, which bars individuals who have “engaged in insurrection” from holding office. The decision was prompted by challenges from state residents, including a bipartisan group of former lawmakers who contested Trump’s eligibility to appear on the ballot.
As the 2024 presidential election looms, these actions in Maine and Colorado highlight the intersection of legal interpretations and the potential impact on the electoral process. The unfolding scenario underscores the evolving nature of post-election dynamics and the various legal interpretations that may shape the landscape in the lead-up to the next presidential race.
