The Illinois State Board of Elections is expected to weigh in on whether to include former President Trump on the state’s March primary ballot during its meeting on Tuesday. This decision follows a hearing where attorneys representing Trump and concerned citizens presented their arguments before the hearing officer, Clark Erickson, a retired Republican judge.
Similar efforts to block Trump from primary ballots have been seen in other states, with the U.S. Supreme Court gearing up to hear a case from Colorado that questions whether individuals involved in insurrection can be barred from holding public office under the 14th Amendment.
Erickson, in his 21-page recommendation, concluded that there was enough evidence to suggest Trump engaged in insurrection. However, he noted the challenge of addressing constitutional issues within the limited timeframe of an election board hearing.
Regardless, Erickson recommended that Trump’s name be removed from the Illinois primary ballot, leaving the final decision to the election board, which comprises four Democrats and four Republicans.
While advocacy group Free Speech for People praised Erickson’s recommendation, they argued that Illinois law allows the board to ultimately decide on ballot inclusion.
Trump’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
The issue of Trump’s eligibility for future elections remains a contentious topic across various states, including Maine, Massachusetts, and Colorado.
