Former President Donald Trump has been removed from the primary election ballot in Illinois after a judge ruled that his involvement in the January 6th US Capitol attack qualifies as an insurrection under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie R. Porter issued the ruling on Wednesday, citing a similar decision by the Colorado Supreme Court.
The ruling gives Trump a short window to appeal before the March 19 primary election. Judge Porter acknowledged the significance of her decision, stating that the Illinois State Board of Elections will remove Trump from the ballot or suppress votes cast in his favor.
This decision comes after the Illinois State Board of Elections previously refused to disqualify Trump from the primary ballot last month. The board cited a lack of authority to determine Trump’s involvement in the insurrection.
The legal battle in Illinois was initiated by five voters who argued that Trump’s role in the Capitol attack disqualifies him from holding elected office under the 14th Amendment. Section 3 of the amendment prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection from serving in Congress or as electors for president and vice president.
Critics of Trump believe that his actions on January 6th fall within the scope of the 14th Amendment and disqualify him as a presidential candidate. However, the Supreme Court has made it clear that they will not remove Trump from the ballot.
Despite the setback in Illinois, Trump’s supporters see this decision as a potential boost to his campaign. The legal battle over his eligibility to run for office is likely to continue as the primary election draws closer.