Welp, looks like a Donald Trump can’t be stopped… In a unanimous decision, the Illinois State Board of Elections has voted to keep the former President on the state’s ballot for the upcoming March 19 primary election.
The board rejected a challenge that argued Trump should be disqualified due to his alleged involvement in the events of January 6. This decision comes after a petition brought by five voters claimed that Trump’s actions constituted insurrection and violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
During the hearing, the board was presented with a range of perspectives on how to proceed. A hearing officer suggested that the courts should decide Trump’s eligibility, citing the complex constitutional issues involved. However, Clark Erickson, a retired judge and Republican, concluded that the evidence presented demonstrated Trump’s engagement in insurrection and recommended barring him from the ballot. On the other hand, the board’s general counsel argued that the board had the jurisdiction to decide the case and should allow Trump to remain on the ballot.
RELATED: Social Media Users Left Cringing After Sen. Tim Scott Tells Donald Trump ‘I Just Love You’
The Objectors’ Argument:
Matthew J. Piers, the lawyer representing the petitioners, emphasized that the board had a clear duty to determine the objection based on the U.S. Constitution. He claimed that Trump played a leading role in organizing and supporting the events of January 6, which involved a violent invasion and disruption of the United States Congress. Piers argued that there were no constitutional limitations on the board’s powers and urged them to fulfill their duty under the election code.
However, Adam P. Merrill, Trump’s lawyer, refuted the claims made against his client, stating that Trump did not incite insurrection or advocate violence at the U.S. Capitol. Merrill urged the board not to intervene in the matter, citing an ongoing case before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Trump’s eligibility on Colorado’s election ballots. He argued that it would be premature for the board to make a decision that could potentially deprive Trump and Illinois voters of ballot access.
“We urge the board to not weigh in on this,” Merrill said. “The Colorado case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court and it really is under all of these circumstances it makes no sense for the board to weigh in and deprive Trump of and the voters of Illinois to the ballot access.”
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on February 8 in a case concerning Trump’s eligibility on Colorado’s election ballots. The Colorado Supreme Court previously ruled that Trump is ineligible due to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for other states, including Illinois, and their decisions regarding Trump’s eligibility.