Colorado Court bars Trump from 2024 ballot over capitol attack role
In a historic decision, the Colorado Supreme Court has disqualified former President Donald Trump from participating in the state’s 2024 presidential election.
This ruling, which stems from the constitutional provision that prohibits officials involved in “insurrection or rebellion,” marks the first time a presidential candidate has been deemed ineligible for the White House under this provision.
The court’s verdict, which was based on Trump’s role in inciting violence against the U.S. Government during the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by his supporters, specifically pertains to the state’s March 5 Republican primary.
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However, political analysts anticipate that this ruling will also impact Trump’s eligibility for the November 5 general election, as Colorado is considered safely Democratic.
The legal challenge, which was initiated by a group of Colorado voters supported by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, argues that Trump should be disqualified for inciting the Capitol attack.
Trump’s campaign has denounced the court’s decision as “flawed” and “undemocratic,” expressing intentions to appeal to the United States Supreme Court.
This victory for advocacy groups and anti-Trump voters highlights the ongoing legal battles challenging Trump’s candidacy under section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was enacted after the Civil War.
The decision overturns a previous ruling by a lower court judge and sets a precedent for potential disqualification efforts. The Colorado court has declared the ruling stayed until January 4, 2024, to allow for appeals.
