The Supreme Court has agreed to hear former President Donald Trump‘s appeal regarding whether he can be excluded from the 2024 presidential ballot due to his involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot.
The justices announced their decision on Friday and scheduled arguments for February 8, potentially allowing for a ruling before Super Tuesday on March 5, when numerous delegates, including those from Colorado, will be at stake.
As voters prepare to cast their presidential primary ballots nationwide, the Supreme Court will grapple with interpreting a provision of the 14th Amendment that bars individuals who “engaged in insurrection” from holding public office.
This provision, adopted in 1868 after the Civil War, has seldom been invoked, presenting the court with a novel legal challenge. The case stems from a 4-3 decision by Colorado’s Supreme Court last month, which ruled that Trump should not appear on the Republican primary ballot.
Notably, this marked the first instance of the 14th Amendment being utilized to exclude a presidential candidate from the ballot.
The Supreme Court’s decision to intervene reflects the significance of the case, with both parties seeking its involvement. This represents the most direct involvement in a presidential election since Bush v. Gore in 2000, a case that had far-reaching implications for the outcome of the election.
With Justice Clarence Thomas being the only remaining justice from the Bush v. Gore court, the current case holds particular significance in shaping the legal landscape surrounding presidential elections.
