Democratic Lawmakers Push to Disqualify Trump from New York Primary Ballot
Efforts to bar former President Donald Trump from the New York primary ballot gain momentum, as lawmakers invoke the 14th Amendment.
Democratic lawmakers in New York are intensifying their efforts to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state’s primary ballot. Citing the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits insurrectionists from holding office, lawmakers argue that Trump’s involvement in the 2019 insurrection at the Capitol disqualifies him from running for public office. Similar efforts have been seen in other states, with both Maine and Colorado already disqualifying Trump from their presidential primary ballots. As the New York State Board of Elections prepares to make a decision in early February, the outcome could potentially be challenged in state court.
Upholding the Constitution: Lawmakers Call for Disqualification
Lawmakers in New York, including State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, have been vocal in their calls for disqualifying Trump from the primary ballot. They argue that anyone who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution and participated in an insurrection should not be allowed to run for federal or state office. Last month, state lawmakers sent a letter to the New York State Board of Elections urging them to take action, and now city lawmakers are joining the cause.
A Growing Movement: Efforts Across the Country
The push to disqualify Trump from primary ballots is not limited to New York. Maine and Colorado have already taken steps to bar the former president from their presidential primary ballots. The Trump campaign has appealed the Maine decision and has also asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the Colorado case. These efforts reflect a broader movement among Democratic lawmakers who are determined to hold Trump accountable for his role in the insurrection.
New York City Council Joins the Fight
On Wednesday, 29 members of the New York City Council sent a letter to the New York State Board of Elections, urging officials to disqualify Trump from the primary ballot. Councilman Shekar Krishnan emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and maintaining the public’s faith in the state’s electoral system. However, this call to action was met with hostility, as Krishnan received a threatening voicemail from a Trump supporter.
The Republican Board’s Decision and Potential Challenges
The fate of Trump’s candidacy in the New York primary now rests with the Republican members of the State Board of Elections. They will determine whether he qualifies for the ballot, with a decision expected in early February. However, election experts anticipate that voters could challenge the board’s decision in state court. The Board of Elections comprises two Republicans and two Democrats, requiring a majority vote to disqualify Trump. Ultimately, the courts of New York will have the final say.
Conclusion: The battle over Trump’s eligibility for the New York primary ballot underscores the deep divisions and ongoing repercussions of the 2019 insurrection. Democrats are leveraging the 14th Amendment to hold Trump accountable for his actions, while Republicans argue that voters should have the final say. As the New York State Board of Elections prepares to make its decision, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for both Trump’s political future and the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. The stage is set for a legal showdown that will test the boundaries of the U.S. Constitution and shape the future of American politics.