New Hampshire Election Official Won’t Block Trump from Appearing on 2024 Primary Ballot
New Hampshire’s Secretary of State, David Scanlan, announced on Wednesday that he will not use a constitutional amendment to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state’s primary ballot in 2024. Despite legal efforts to bar Trump from running again, Scanlan stated that as long as Trump submits his declaration of candidacy, pays the filing fee, and meets the age, citizenship, and residency requirements, his name will be printed on the ballot.
Scanlan, a Republican elected with bipartisan support, dismissed claims made in lawsuits filed in New Hampshire and other states that Trump is ineligible to run for president due to a rarely used clause in the 14th Amendment. This clause prohibits individuals who have engaged in an insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution from holding higher office. However, Scanlan argued that this clause does not pertain to running for office and should not be used to disqualify candidates.
The debate surrounding Trump’s eligibility has gained attention as the 2024 presidential race approaches. Several lawsuits have been filed claiming that the 14th Amendment prohibits Trump from running again, but most Secretaries of State have been reluctant to take action without a court order. The issue may ultimately be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court, which has never ruled on the specific interpretation of the clause.
Scanlan’s decision was supported by the state’s Attorney General, John Formella, who concluded that Scanlan does not have the authority under state law to block a candidate from the ballot based on potential disqualification under the 14th Amendment. With the primary election scheduled to take place in New Hampshire, candidates will have the opportunity to sign up between October 11 and October 27.
The decision by New Hampshire’s election official highlights the challenges associated with interpreting and implementing constitutional amendments in the context of presidential elections. While some argue that the 14th Amendment should disqualify Trump from running again, others maintain that the clause does not apply to the presidency. As the debate continues, the Supreme Court may ultimately provide clarity on this issue.
