The Maine Supreme Court has chosen not to intervene in the matter of whether former President Donald Trump can remain on the state’s ballot. This decision upholds a previous ruling by a judge, who determined that the U.S. Supreme Court should be the first to address a similar case in Colorado.
Shenna Bellows, a Democrat and the Secretary of State of Maine, has determined that Donald Trump does not meet the ballot qualifications outlined in the insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, a judge has temporarily suspended this decision until the Supreme Court reaches a verdict on a similar case in Colorado.
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has unanimously dismissed Bellows’ appeal regarding the order that she must wait for the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision before making any changes to her decision of excluding Trump from the primary ballot on Super Tuesday.
The Secretary of State has expressed concern over potential irreparable harm caused by a delay in determining whether Trump’s name should be included on the primary ballot. The Secretary believes that such a delay could lead to voter confusion. The court explained that it is the uncertainty surrounding the case that has led to their decision not to pursue immediate appellate review.
In December, Bellows made a decision that deemed Trump ineligible, making her the first election official to bar the Republican front-runner from the ballot under the 14th Amendment. The state supreme court in Colorado has come to the same conclusion.
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With the March 5 primary in Maine fast approaching, time is of the essence. In a significant development, the U.S. Supreme Court is currently engaged in hearing arguments regarding the Colorado case. This crucial event is scheduled to take place on February 8th. Meanwhile, in a proactive move, the state of Maine has already commenced the process of mailing overseas ballots.
The Supreme Court has yet to make a ruling on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars individuals who have participated in insurrection from holding public office. Legal scholars argue that the post-Civil War clause may be applicable to Trump due to his actions in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election and inciting his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol following his loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
Trump argues that Bellows should have recused herself, claiming that she displayed bias against him. In a recent statement, Trump accused her of disenfranchising voters in Maine, claiming that her actions were part of a larger scheme to prevent him from appearing on the ballot.
In response to challenges from residents, Bellows, who was elected by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, stated that she was obligated by state law to reach a decision regarding Trump’s eligibility for the primary ballot. A judge has temporarily suspended her decision regarding Trump’s eligibility to be on the ballot, stating that she will respect the final ruling of the court.
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