Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows makes history by taking  former President Donald Trump off the Republican
Primary Ballot, a threat to the integrity of the presidential election and American democracy.
Bellows, an ally to the democratic party, defended her decision under Section 3 of the 14th
Amendment over Trump’s alleged involvement on January Sixth and the breach of the White
House. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which addresses assault on the foundations of the
American government, has never before been used to deprive a presidential candidate a place
on the ballot.

However, the lack of evidence pointing towards Trump’s involvement and the uncertainty of
whether or not January Sixth is a direct violation of the 14th Amendment, brings into question
the validity of this ruling. It seems that Bellows’ own personal opinion and bias has removed a
presidential candidate, depriving Maine citizens the right to freely vote.

This raises valid concern about the integrity of our elections and the government which
oversees them on both sides of the political spectrum. In an interview with Trump, he
commented, “We are witnessing… the attempted theft of an election and the
disenfranchisement of the American voter”.

Election integrity is at the core of our democracy and essential to the freedom and equality that
America was founded on. Bellows has stolen the ability to vote from millions of citizens, an
action which should not only alarm Trump supporters, but every American who believes their
opinion should matter and that their vote can make a difference.

The case is in the appeal process.