A recent ruling by a Denver District Court judge has affirmed that former President Donald Trump is eligible to be included on the Colorado primary ballot. The decision, announced just before 5 p.m. on Friday, addressed concerns regarding a provision in the U.S. Constitution that prohibits individuals who have “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold responded to the ruling with a statement, saying, “The Court determined that Donald Trump is eligible to be placed on the Colorado ballot in the March Presidential Primary. This decision may be appealed. As Secretary of State, I will always ensure that every voter can make their voice heard in free and fair elections.” a Denver District Court
This year, advocates sought to prevent Trump’s inclusion on the ballot in Colorado and other states under Section Three of the 14th Amendment. This section bars individuals from holding office if they previously took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and subsequently “engaged in insurrection” against it. Notably, this measure has been invoked only a few times since the aftermath of the Civil War.
Trump’s attorney and former secretary of state, Scott Gessler, expressed confidence in the outcome, stating, “At the end of the day, Colorado voters are going to be able to choose who they want for President, and that’s what matters.”