Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to expedite a decision regarding a state Supreme Court ruling that has removed former President Trump from the ballot in Colorado.
Griswold emphasized the situation’s urgency and urged the highest court in the land to uphold the lower court ruling issued in December. The Secretary of State noted that Trump will remain on the ballot unless the U.S. Supreme Court affirms the decision by January 5.
The state Supreme Court had determined that Trump was ineligible to be on the ballot due to his involvement in attempting to overturn the 2020 election, particularly the events of January 6, 2021, which falls under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This provision prohibits individuals who have taken an oath of office to serve a federal or state position from holding the positions of president, vice president, or member of Congress if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States.
Following the state Supreme Court’s ruling, the Colorado Republican Party filed an appeal, arguing that Trump should remain on the ballot until the U.S. Supreme Court decides in time for certification on January 5. Trump himself, along with the state GOP, has vowed to appeal the ruling.
Secretary of State Griswold reaffirmed the state Supreme Court’s decision, stating that Trump engaged in insurrection and is disqualified under the Constitution from appearing on the Colorado ballot. She urged the U.S. Supreme Court to act swiftly, considering the upcoming presidential primary election.
The watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), which initiated the lawsuit on behalf of six Republican and independent Colorado voters, also joined Griswold in calling for an expedited decision.
In its appeal, the Colorado GOP expressed concerns about the implications of the ruling if it is not overturned. They argue that allowing any voter to sue and disqualify a political candidate could set a precedent in Colorado and other jurisdictions that follow suit.
The fate of Trump’s presence on the Colorado ballot now rests in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, which is urged to make a prompt decision on this significant issue.
