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December 29, 2023

Maine Joins Colorado in Barring Trump from Ballot over Jan. 6 Insurrection
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The state of Maine has joined Colorado in barring Donald Trump from the
Republican primary ballot over his role in the January 6 insurrection.
On Thursday, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued a written
decision saying the insurrection clause in the 14th Amendment makes the
former president ineligible to run for public office again.

In her ruling, Bellows wrote, "I am mindful that no secretary of state
has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on
Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no
presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection."

Trump's campaign has vowed to appeal the ruling. A campaign spokesperson
described Bellows's decision as "partisan election interference efforts"
that were "a hostile assault on American democracy."

The U.S. Supreme Court will likely have the final say on Trump's ballot
eligibility.

Last week, Colorado's Supreme Court barred Trump from Colorado's primary
ballot, but Michigan's Supreme Court has ruled he can stay on the
Michigan ballot.


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