The Colorado secretary of state has decided to include former President Donald Trump on the 2024 Colorado primary ballot after the Colorado GOP filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. This move comes in response to the state Supreme Court’s earlier decision to remove Trump from the primary ballot.
After the appeal, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced that Trump would be included on the primary ballot by the Jan. 5 certification deadline unless the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the lower court’s ruling or opts not to hear the case.
Griswold asserted, “Donald Trump engaged in insurrection and was disqualified under the Constitution from the Colorado Ballot,” expressing support for the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision. She urged the U.S. Supreme Court to act swiftly, considering the upcoming presidential primary election.
The situation presents a unique challenge for the U.S. Supreme Court as conflicting rulings emerge from Colorado and Michigan regarding Trump’s eligibility for the primary ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court temporarily stayed its decision until Jan. 4 to allow time for an appeal.
The conflicting rulings in two states are likely to prompt the U.S. Supreme Court to address the case, establishing legal precedent nationally. The court faces a political time constraint, needing to decide before Super Tuesday on March 5.
However, the Jan. 20 deadline for sending out primary ballots to military voters and the Feb. 12 commencement of mailing ballots to voters pose challenges if the U.S. Supreme Court either rejects the appeal or doesn’t take up the case after ballots are distributed.
Earlier this month, the Colorado Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling in a 4-3 vote, declaring Trump ineligible for the primary ballot based on the Fourteenth Amendment. The initial ruling had allowed Trump’s inclusion, stating that a president is not subject to disqualification on a ballot.
Attorneys for the Colorado Republican party criticized the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision, alleging a violation of First Amendment rights and the people’s right to choose their elected officials. The legal proceedings and decisions in this case are closely watched for their potential impact on the 2024 primary election.
Ridiculous! Just another ploy, unconstitutionally grounded. to try to prevent Trump from running against their debilitated shell of a puppet. Trump has not been charged nor convicted of insurrection and he is having his 1st amendment rights violated along with all Coloradans that wish to vote for him! So prejudicial and makes America look like a banana republic! Vote honestly and fairly and see the will of the people without vote tampering !
With their liberal actions Colorado has earned their label as “Californication West”.