Live After Quit

“14th Amendment Ruling: A Vote-Changing Impact on Colorado & Michigan Ballot Removal of Trump?

The looming decisions in 14th Amendment cases in both Colorado and Michigan could have far-reaching implications on pending efforts to remove President Donald Trump from the 2020 ballot in each state. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear two cases concerning the 14th Amendment: one from Colorado and one from Michigan. The cases both involve the 14th Amendment’s “equal protection” clause, which prohibits states from denying equal protection under the law. The Colorado case is centered on language in the state’s constitution barring convicted felons from voting while on parole. As part of a voter registration dispute, the state argued that the equal protection clause does not apply to those who are on parole. The Michigan case, on the other hand, involves language regarding the power of state legislatures to draw congressional and legislative districts. At issue in both cases is the question of whether the 14th Amendment applies to the states or just to the federal government. If it applies to the states, then the courts will have to decide whether the language in either Colorado or Michigan is violating the amendment’s protections. The decisions in these cases could have an impact on pending efforts in both states to remove President Trump from the ballot in November. In Michigan, a group known as “Michigan Election Integrity” is trying to get an initiative added to the ballot which would increase the power of the state secretary of state to investigate and remove candidates from the ballot. In Colorado, a group of Republican electors has sued to remove President Trump from the ballot on the basis that he is not “qualified” to run for office. The decision in the 14th Amendment cases could provide a legal basis for the removal of President Trump, as any decision that limits the rights protected by the amendment would suggest that the language used in either Colorado or Michigan is unconstitutional. Regardless of the outcome, these cases could significantly alter the makeup of the 2020 ballot in Michigan and Colorado. In an election season that has already seen its fair share of controversy, the Supreme Court’s decisions in these 14th Amendment cases will carry great weight.