SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In a significant development, an Illinois state judge on Wednesday ruled that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the Illinois’ Republican presidential primary ballot. The decision was based on Trump’s involvement in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. However, the judge has postponed the implementation of her ruling, anticipating an appeal from Trump.
Judge Tracie Porter of the Cook County Circuit Court agreed with the Illinois voters who contended that Trump’s actions violated the anti-insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment. As a result, they argued, he should be excluded from the state’s March 19 primary ballot and its Nov. 5 general election ballot.
The ultimate resolution of the Illinois case, along with similar challenges in other states, will likely be determined by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court heard arguments related to Trump’s ballot eligibility on Feb. 8.
Porter stated that she was delaying her decision due to the likelihood of Trump appealing to Illinois’ appellate courts and a potential ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.
The advocacy group Free Speech For People, which led the Illinois disqualification effort, hailed the ruling as a ”historic victory” in a statement.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, who is currently the national frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination, described the ruling as “unconstitutional” and vowed to appeal it swiftly.
Earlier, Colorado and Maine had also removed Trump from their state ballots, citing his disqualification under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Both decisions are currently on hold pending Trump’s appeals.
Section 3 prohibits anyone who has sworn an oath to support the U.S. Constitution from holding public office if they have “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.”
On Jan. 6, 2021, Trump supporters attacked police and stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. Trump had earlier delivered a speech to his supporters, urging them to go to the Capitol and “fight like hell.” He then failed to respond to requests to call off the mob for several hours.
The Supreme Court is currently considering Trump’s challenge to his disqualification in Colorado. During oral arguments in the case, the justices in Washington expressed concerns about states implementing broad measures that could impact the national election.
This is great news. Trump shouldn’t be allowed on the ballot.
Agree – This is a positive step towards holding individuals accountable for their actions.