The Colorado Supreme Court voted 4-3 to ban Donald Trump from the state’s ballot on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.
The Colorado Supreme Court, made up of justices all appointed by Democratic governors, declared Trump ineligible for the White House, supposedly under the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause.
The Court majority wrote:
We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” wrote the court’s majority. “We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.”
In the dissent, Justice Carlos Samour wrote: “Our government cannot deprive someone of the right to hold public office without due process of law. Even if we are convinced that a candidate committed horrible acts in the past — dare I say, engaged in insurrection — there must be procedural due process before we can declare that individual disqualified from holding public office.”
A Trump’s campaign spokesperson said: “The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court and a concurrent request for a stay of this deeply undemocratic decision.”
Colorado officials say the issue must be settled by Jan. 5, the deadline for the state to print its presidential primary ballots.
