Illinois Trump 14th Amendment Ballot Disqualification Challenge

An administrative complaint filed by five Illinois voters challenging the legality of former President Donald Trump’s appearance on the Illinois Republican primary ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The petitioners assert that Trump is barred from holding office due to his engagement in the events of Jan. 6, 2021, which they claim constitute an insurrection under Section 3. The petitioners ask the Illinois State Board of Elections to bar Trump’s name from the official primary ballot as a candidate for the Republican nomination. 

On Jan. 30, the state board of elections denied the petitioners’ motion for summary judgment and dismissed the case on a lack of jurisdiction. The same day, the petitioners filed a motion for judicial review in the Illinois Cook County Circuit Court. On Feb. 28, the court ruled in favor of the petitioners to remove Trump’s name from the Illinois primary ballot. The ruling is paused, however, pending an anticipated appeal to the Illinois Appellate or state Supreme Court as well as the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Colorado case, which the Court heard oral arguments for on Feb. 8. 

Last updated: February 29, 2024 10:09 am EST