Maine election official excludes Trump from 2024 primary ballot over Capitol Riot role

Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, has made a significant decision by barring former President Donald Trump from Maine's 2024 primary ballot. This ruling, anchored in a clause of the 14th Amendment aimed at preventing insurrectionists from holding office, amplifies the ongoing debate surrounding Trump's eligibility.

Bellows, affiliated with the Democratic Party, temporarily paused the implementation of her decision, indicating openness to potential appeals from Trump's team and signaling the potential for a legal confrontation. Following a similar move in Colorado, Maine becomes the second state to take such action against Trump's candidacy.

The dispute revolves around the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, events at the US Capitol, wherein critics of Trump seek to uphold a constitutional provision safeguarding against anti-democratic insurrectionists.


Bellows emphasized the gravity of her decision, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the situation and the significance of her stance. She emphasized the absence of any prior instance where a Secretary of State has denied a presidential candidate ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The 14th Amendment, established post-Civil War, prohibits individuals involved in insurrection from holding future office, lacking specific guidelines on enforcement.

Legal experts anticipate the issue's eventual settlement by the US Supreme Court, given its broad national implications.

Trump's camp criticized Bellows' decision, accusing her of partisan intervention and infringing civil rights. Nonetheless, Bellows reiterated her commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring candidates meet office qualifications.

Her ruling rested on evidence linking Trump's actions to the Capitol insurrection, asserting that his dissemination of false election fraud claims instigated supporters and fueled the violence. Bellows firmly rejected Trump's argument that the insurrectionist ban didn't apply to the presidency.

Implementation of the decision is presently on hold pending a potential appeal to Maine's Superior Court. This pause aligns with the timeline for a swift resolution, expected before ballots are distributed to voters.

Bellows referenced the Colorado Supreme Court's decision, highlighting the state's authority in regulating ballot access for qualified candidates.

When asked about the Supreme Court's role, Bellows acknowledged its potential involvement but stressed collective responsibility in addressing such matters.

Her ruling definitively characterized the events of January 6 as an insurrection, affirming Trump's role in inciting lawless actions against the peaceful transfer of power.

As legal battles escalate, Bellows' decision in Maine adds momentum to the broader discourse over Trump's eligibility, setting the stage for a crucial legal showdown with extensive implications for future elections.