Former U.S. President Donald Trump has lodged an appeal against a ruling that sought to exclude him from the presidential ballot in Illinois.
The ruling was issued by Judge Tracie R. Porter of the State Circuit Court in Cook County, who ordered the State Board of Elections to remove Trump from the ballot. She reasoned that Trump had participated in insurrection on January 6.
Trump’s appeal implores the appeals court to nullify and reverse the judgement. As per a report by Axios, Trump’s legal team has also submitted a separate request to the court. They have asked for a stay on the order until the appeals court delivers its verdict, and for an extension on the stay on the decision.
The filing highlighted the potential risk of voter confusion and the logistical challenges for election officials if the judgement is not stayed. It also emphasized the urgency for a swift decision as the current stay could be interpreted to expire within less than 48 hours, despite the pending appeal.
JUST IN: Cook Co. Judge Tracie Porter has clarified her ruling kicking Donald Trump off the IL ballot.
Given Trump’s appeal, her order is on hold until the case is resolved by higher courts. The election board “shall continue to include Candidate Donald J. Trump on the ballot.” pic.twitter.com/5bzsvMJPDG
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) February 29, 2024
In response to the appeal, Judge Porter has put a hold on her decision to remove Trump from the ballot while the case makes its way through the courts. The order to include Trump on the ballot for the March 19, 2024 General Primary Election will remain in effect until a final resolution is achieved by the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, Illinois Supreme Court, and/or the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Trump campaign has been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the initial ruling, labeling it as election interference. According to a statement from a spokesperson for the Trump Campaign, they regard the ruling as unconstitutional and plan to appeal swiftly. Despite the controversy, Trump remains on the Illinois ballot and continues to lead in the polls.
This is not the first time Trump has faced such an issue. He has been removed from the ballot in three states – Colorado, Maine, and Illinois. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court heard arguments about Colorado’s decision to remove Trump from the ballot. The outcome of that case is still pending and is expected to influence Maine’s decision as well.
