Potential Supreme Court Decision: Can Trump be Excluded from the 2024 Ballot?
Former President Donald Trump may soon find out whether he will be allowed to appear on the 2024 presidential ballot as the leading Republican candidate. On Monday, the Supreme Court is expected to make a decision regarding a case from Colorado that could potentially remove Trump from some state ballots due to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The resolution of this case, which involves Trump’s eligibility for the state’s primary, would help clarify whether votes for Trump will count.
The case in question centers around a groundbreaking decision by the Colorado Supreme Court, which stated that Trump is disqualified from being president again and ineligible for the state’s primary. The court invoked Section 3 of the 14th amendment, a post-Civil War provision aimed at preventing individuals who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office. Similar decisions have been made in Illinois and Maine, barring Trump from primary ballots in those states as well. However, the outcomes of these decisions are currently on hold pending the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The Supreme Court has never before ruled on Section 3 of the 14th amendment, making this case particularly significant. The court heard arguments for the case on February 8 and appeared inclined to rule in Trump’s favor. The resolution of this case is eagerly anticipated, especially since Super Tuesday contests in 16 states are just a day away.
In an unusual move, the Supreme Court indicated that at least one case would be decided on Monday but did not disclose which case it would be. This departure from their usual practice has led to speculation that the Trump ballot case will be the one handed down. Additionally, while the court typically issues decisions on days when justices are scheduled to take the bench, the next scheduled court day is not until March 15. This further suggests that the decision may be related to Trump’s eligibility for the 2024 ballot.
It is worth noting that the justices will not be present in the courtroom when the decision is announced due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the opinions will be posted on the court’s website shortly after 10 a.m. EST.
Separately, the Supreme Court has also agreed to hear arguments in late April regarding whether Trump can be criminally prosecuted for election interference charges, including his alleged role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This politically charged case raises questions about whether Trump will stand trial before the November election. Currently, he faces 91 criminal charges in four different prosecutions, with his state case in New York being the only one on track for trial. The trial for this case, which involves falsifying business records in connection with hush money payments to a porn actor, is set for March 25.
As we await the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Trump’s eligibility for the 2024 ballot, it is clear that the outcome will have significant implications for both Trump and the Republican Party. This decision, along with the court’s willingness to hear arguments on the election interference charges, underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding the former president. As the 2024 presidential race continues to take shape, Trump’s political future hangs in the balance.
In conclusion, Monday’s potential Supreme Court decision regarding Trump’s eligibility for the 2024 ballot has captured national attention. The court’s ruling will provide clarity on whether votes for Trump will count and could have far-reaching implications for his political aspirations. As the legal battles surrounding the former president persist, it remains to be seen how this decision will shape the future of both Trump and the Republican Party.
