AP Photograph/Mary Altaffer

Maine changed into the 2nd state to deem former President Donald Trump ineligible for the presidency on Thursday less than two weeks after Colorado barred Trump from the state ballot.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, dominated on Thursday that Trump’s candidacy within the state used to be void “as a result of he is not certified to hold the workplace of the President under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment.”

Part three of the 14th Modification – which says no person shall “hang any administrative center” in the event that they “have engaged in rise up or rebellion” – used to be also referred to via the Colorado Supreme Court in its resolution to bar Trump from the Colorado state pollpast this month.

“Whereas I’m cognizant of the fact that my choice might soon be rendered a nullity with the aid of a call of the US Supreme Court in Anderson, that risk does now not relieve me of my duty to behave,” wrote Bellows, earlier than adding, “I have little trouble concluding that the occasions of January 6, 2021 had been an rise up within the which means of Section Three of the Fourteenth Modification.”

She additionally ruled that “Trump’s statements and different conduct best up to and together with January 6, 2021—the very important info of that are as soon as once more no longer in dispute—represent incitement of insurrection,” and that “Trump used to be aware about the likelihood for violence and at least at the start supported its use given he both inspired it with incendiary rhetoric and took no well timed motion to forestall it.”

Bellows concluded:

I don’t reach this conclusion lightly. Democracy is sacred, and the best possible courtroom of this State has repeatedly known that “no proper is more treasured in a free united states than that of getting a voice in the election of those who make the rules beneath which, as just right electorate, we must reside.”

I’m mindful that no Secretary of State has ever disadvantaged a presidential candidate of ballot get right of entry to in response to Part Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. I’m also mindful, on the other hand, that no presidential candidate has ever ahead of engaged in revolt. The oath I swore to uphold the Constitution comes first particularly, and my accountability beneath Maine’s election rules, when presented with a Section 336 problem, is to make certain that candidates who appear on the main ballot are certified for the place of work they are seeking.

The situations of January 6, 2021 were exceptional and tragic. They had been an attack not handiest upon the Capitol and govt officials, but in addition an attack on the guideline of regulation. The proof right here demonstrates that they passed off on the behest of, and with the data and make stronger of, the outgoing President. The U.S. Constitution does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our govt, and Part 336 requires me to behave in response.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold (D) announced on Thursday that Trump would remain on Colorado’s ballot, regardless of the Colorado Supreme Court docket’s ruling this month, except the U.S.Supreme Courtroom opted to quick uphold the state’s ruling.

On Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Courtroom rejected an try and take away Trump from its personal state ballot.

The publish BREAKING: Maine Turns into Second State to Bar Trump From Ballot first appeared on Mediaite.