Maine Supreme Court Declines to Weigh in on Trump’s Eligibility for 2024 Ballot

February 3, 2024

In a highly anticipated ruling, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court has declined to rule on whether former President Donald Trump should be removed from the state’s ballot in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The court’s decision leaves in place a lower court ruling that froze the state-level proceedings until the US Supreme Court issues its decision in a similar case from Colorado.

Colorado Case: Setting the Stage

The Colorado Supreme Court recently ruled that Trump is ineligible to hold public office based on the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.” This ruling stems from Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol, where he allegedly incited a mob to storm the building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Maine Secretary of State’s Actions: Taking a Stand

Maine’s Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, took decisive action by barring Trump from the Republican primary ballot, citing his involvement in the January 6 insurrection as a disqualifying factor under the 14th Amendment. Trump, unsurprisingly, appealed this decision in state court, and a judge subsequently paused the proceedings until the outcome of the Colorado case is known.

Bellows’ Appeal to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court: Seeking Clarity

Undeterred, Bellows appealed the freeze on Trump’s removal from the ballot to Maine’s highest court, requesting an immediate decision on Trump’s eligibility. She argued that the lower court’s decision would sow public confusion and delay the electoral process, potentially disenfranchising Maine voters.

Maine Supreme Judicial Court’s Ruling: A Calculated Decision

After careful deliberation, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court unanimously declined to take up Bellows’ appeal, citing the risk of further delays and the need to await the US Supreme Court’s decision in the Colorado case. The court emphasized the high level of uncertainty surrounding the issue and the lack of a concrete and irreparable harm arising from its decision not to review the matter immediately.

Potential Impact: A Game of Political Chess

The court’s decision means that Trump’s name will remain on the Maine ballot for the time being, pending the outcome of the Colorado case. If the US Supreme Court upholds the Colorado ruling, Trump could potentially be disqualified from running for president in all states, including Maine. This would have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election, as Trump remains a popular figure among Republican voters.

Legal Arguments: Unraveling the Constitutional Puzzle

Proponents of Trump’s disqualification argue that his actions on January 6, 2021, constitute an insurrection and violate the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States from holding public office. Opponents of this argument maintain that Trump’s actions do not meet the legal definition of insurrection and that disqualifying him from office would be an infringement on his First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and assembly.

Public Opinion: A Divided Nation

Public opinion on Trump’s eligibility for office is sharply divided, with some polls showing a majority of Americans supporting his disqualification and others indicating significant opposition to such a move. The issue has become highly politicized, with Republicans largely defending Trump’s actions and Democrats generally supporting his disqualification.

Conclusion: A Crossroads of Democracy

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court’s decision to decline ruling on Trump’s eligibility for the 2024 ballot leaves the issue unresolved for now. The outcome of the Colorado case before the US Supreme Court will ultimately determine whether Trump can legally run for president again. This decision will have far-reaching implications for the 2024 presidential election and could potentially alter the political landscape in the United States.