In a recent development, Maine's top court has decided not to intervene in the case regarding former President Donald Trump's eligibility to appear on the state's primary ballot. This decision upholds a previous ruling by a judge, stating that the US Supreme Court must first address a similar case in Colorado. Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows had determined that Trump did not meet the ballot qualifications under the insurrection clause of the US Constitution. However, the judge had put a hold on Bellows' decision until the Supreme Court reaches a verdict on the Colorado case.

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court unanimously dismissed Bellows' appeal, affirming the order that she must wait for the US Supreme Court's decision before making any changes to her decision to exclude Trump from the primary ballot on Super Tuesday. The court explained that the uncertainty surrounding Trump's eligibility and the potential voter confusion that may arise were the main factors behind their decision not to pursue immediate appellate review in this specific case.

Bellows had made headlines in December when she became the first election official to ban Trump from the ballot under the 14th Amendment. This amendment prohibits individuals who have "engaged in insurrection" from holding office. The same conclusion was reached by the Colorado state supreme court. Notably, the US Supreme Court has never ruled on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which is the specific provision under scrutiny in these cases.

The timing of these legal proceedings is crucial, as Maine's primary is scheduled for March 5. The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the Colorado case on February 8, while Maine has already started mailing overseas ballots. The outcome of the Supreme Court's decision will determine whether Trump's name will appear on the primary ballot.

Trump has argued that Bellows should have recused herself from the case, claiming that she harbored bias against him. He further alleged that her actions were part of a broader effort to prevent him from being on the ballot, thereby disenfranchising voters in Maine. Bellows, who was elected by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, maintained that she was obligated to make a determination based on state law after several residents challenged Trump's eligibility. She has temporarily suspended her decision pending the outcome of the judicial proceedings and has vowed to abide by the court's final ruling.