Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Politics

Maine bars Trump from ballot, Turley calls decision flawed

Maine's Secretary of State bars Trump from appearing on the ballot.

Maine Secretary of State Bars Donald Trump from Ballot

In a move mirroring Colorado's decision, the Maine Secretary of State has now barred former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state's ballot. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked debates among legal experts.

The decision stems from remarks made by Trump in the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol incident. Democratic secretary of state, Bellows, stated that Trump's actions were insurrectionary, and therefore, he should be disqualified from running for any public office. Her stance has drawn criticism for potentially infringing on voters' rights.

It is important to note that this decision was made by the secretary of state and not a court. Many similar challenges brought by Democratic secretaries of state have faced judicial scrutiny in other states. Legal experts hope that Maine's court system will exhibit the same integrity and reject this theory.

Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, expressed his disagreement with the decision. Turley pointed out that labeling the events on January 6th as an insurrection might not be accurate, citing polling data that suggests the general public views it more as a protest turned riot. Turley argued that applying the 14th Amendment, section 3, which deals with insurrection or rebellion, to Trump's case is flawed.

The question now arises as to whether this decision will increase the urgency for the Supreme Court to intervene and provide a final ruling on the matter. Turley expressed his hope for a Supreme Court intervention to put this theory to rest once and for all.

Critics find it puzzling that Bellows, who positions herself as a defender of democracy, would prevent voters from casting their votes for the leading presidential candidate. Trump has not been charged or convicted of any crime related to insurrection or rebellion.

The decision in Maine adds to the ongoing debate about the restrictions imposed on candidates and their ability to appear on state ballots. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for future electoral processes.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court system in Maine handles this matter. Ultimately, it is crucial for the court to ensure that a fair and unbiased approach is taken in deciding the fate of Donald Trump's candidacy in the state of Maine.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.