The U.S. Supreme Court hears the Appeal of Donald Trump’s Eligibility in February, But Where Do the Many State Cases Stand?

Brian Beihl

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Jan. 31, 2024

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

While we wait for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on former President Trump’s appeal to the Colorado 14th amendment ballot eligibility decision, we have updates on other recent state cases. 

In Massachusetts on Jan. 29th, the state’s ballot law commission ruled against two challenges, saying that the body did not have jurisdiction.  In Maine, a court kept Trump on the ballot after the Secretary of State’s decision to remove him, pending the U.S. Supreme Court appeal in February. 

An Illinois Board of Elections’ hearing officer said Tuesday that the Board of Elections can only rule on Illinois election code matters, not the U.S. Constitution, and recommended dismissing the case.  But Capital News Illinois reports that the judge also said that if the board chose not to dismiss, QUOTE “President Trump engaged in insurrection, within the meaning of Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, and should have his name removed from the March, 2024 primary ballot in Illinois.” 

States having already dismissed challenges include Washington, California, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon and New Hampshire, some which could be reconsidered based on the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision.

Ten more minor cases remain pending. Several others have been withdrawn by the plaintiffs, according to Lawfare. 

We have links to more information on these challenges at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – Court Challenges to Trump’s Ballot Eligibility are Pending in 17 States.   Losses in Colorado & Michigan are Being Appealed.
PBS Newshour – Supreme Court to hear Trump ballot case that could upend 2024 presidential election
The Hill – Trump candidacy challenge dismissed in Massachusetts
The Hill – Maine judge defers decision on Trump 14th Amendment question until Supreme Court rules
CNN – Illinois election board hears objection to Trump candidacy based on January 6 insurrection

Capital News Illinois – State election board to rule on challenge to Trump candidacy
Lawfare – Tracking Trump Section 3 Challenges
CNN – Tracking the major 14th Amendment efforts to remove Trump from the 2024 ballot

Groups Taking Action:
Free Speech for People, Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW)

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