Unprecedented Situation for U.S. Supreme Court
Following a recent appeal, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has announced that she will include Donald Trump on the primary ballot by the January 5 certification deadline, unless the U.S. Supreme Court affirms the lower court’s ruling or chooses not to take up the case. Griswold expressed her concerns in a press release, stating that “Donald Trump engaged in insurrection and was disqualified under the Constitution from the Colorado Ballot.” The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision is currently being appealed, and Griswold is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to act swiftly due to the upcoming presidential primary election.
Conflicting Rulings and Legal Precedent
Trump’s inclusion on the ballot has created an unprecedented situation for the U.S. Supreme Court, as there are two dueling rulings – the controversial Colorado ruling and the decision to dismiss an attempt to remove Trump from the primary ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court has temporarily stayed its ruling until January 4 to allow time for an appeal. The contradicting rulings in two different states will likely prompt the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case, which will set a legal precedent for the rest of the country. However, the U.S. Supreme Court faces a ticking political time bomb, as it must decide the case before Super Tuesday on March 5.
Deadlines and Uncertainties
The upcoming deadline presents a few complications. According to Griswold’s press release, the deadline for sending out primary ballots to military voters for the 2024 election is January 20. Additionally, ballots will be mailed out to voters starting on February 12, and primary voting will commence on February 26. It remains unclear what would happen to any ballots that have already been released if the U.S. Supreme Court declines the appeal or chooses not to take up the case.
Colorado GOP’s Response
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Colorado GOP for comment regarding this matter.
Background on the Case
In a 4-3 vote earlier this month, the Colorado Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that allowed Trump to appear on the ballot as a presidential candidate. The initial ruling stated that a president is not among the officials subject to disqualification on a ballot. On December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump is ineligible to appear on the primary ballot due to the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, the ruling was simultaneously stayed until January 4, in anticipation of an appeal.
Fox News Digital’s Kerri Kupec and Louis Casiano have provided additional reporting on this matter.