In an unexpected turn of events, former President Donald Trump has been barred from appearing on the ballot for the 2024 presidential election in the states of Maine and Colorado. This decision comes after the Democratic Secretary of State in Maine cited the 14th Amendment's insurrection ban as the basis for her ruling. The Secretary of State in Colorado also made a similar decision, which is currently being appealed to the Supreme Court by the Republican Party.
The 14th Amendment, which addresses equal protection and citizenship rights, includes a provision known as section three, stating that individuals who engage in an insurrection are banned from holding future office. While the language does not explicitly mention the presidency, it has been interpreted differently across states. So far, Maine and Colorado have concluded that the ban applies to Trump, while other states such as Michigan, Minnesota, Arizona, and New Hampshire have not taken such action.
