An insurrection on the Constitution should prevent anyone who swore an oath to the Constitution from running for office

🗽A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.

Shout out to everyone who came out for our 14.3 Town Hall event. No worries if you missed it, here is what we covered:

What is 14.3?

Under 14.3 of the Constitution, former President Donald Trump should be disqualified from running from office.

In a recent case, Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin had no prior criminal conviction for insurrection. He was found guilty of illegally entering Capitol grounds on January 6th and that was a sufficient reason to be removed from the ballot in New Mexico.

States with current 14.3 lawsuits include Colorado, Minnesota, and others.

Who brought these lawsuits? Voters (both parties), activists, and candidates

Case Updates

Minnesota

Trump can appear on 2024 primary** ballot in Minnesota, state Supreme Court rules - but left open the possibility he could be struck from the general election ballot because of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

**Friendly reminder a Primary is about the party’s choice not the general public’s choice

Michigan

“A Michigan judge allowed former President Donald Trump to remain on the state's presidential primary ballot, rejecting a lawsuit arguing that the 14th Amendment prevents Trump from running again due to his involvement in the Jan 6. insurrection.” Stating that ballot disqualification “strips Congress of its ability to ‘by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such a disability.’” - Daily Docket

In contrast, these same Framers set no limit on who could impose disqualification, allowing for a variety of actors, including state and federal courts, to enforce the Amendment’s important protections. CAC Appellate Counsel Smita Ghosh

The judge also ruled in a separate lawsuit brought by Trump that Michigan’s secretary of state does not have the authority to determine whether Trump can appear on the state's primary ballot.” - Daily Docket

Colorado

Closing arguments scheduled for 11-15-23

Elements required for 14.3 to apply for removal of a candidate include taking an oath and engaging in an insurrection

Here is the photo of Trump taking an oath to the Constitution. Millions of Americans witnessed this event.

The second element required is to have engaged in an insurrection. Some have argued that because Trump was not at the Capitol on January 6th and not charged with an insurrection, 14.3 would not apply to him. However, Trump most certainly engaged in an insurrection on the Constitution¹:

Who has the authority to prevent Trump from appearing on the ballot as a candidate for President? Secretary of each State, courts, and the Supreme Court

What can we do as citizens to ensure that the rule of law applies to former Presidents or anyone running for office?

1. Spread the word: No one is above the law and an insurrection on the Constitution should prevent anyone who swore an oath to the Constitution from running for office

2. Contact your secretary of state (call, email, send a letter, sign petitions):

• Send a Letter to your Secretary of State: Coming Soon!

• Sign the Petition: It would be fraudulent to allow an insurrectionist on the presidential ballot

• Sign the Petition: Sign the petition to secretaries of state: Disqualify Trump from running for president!

• Call your Secretary of State. Click here to find your state and phone number. Share with them why this matters to you and our community:

“An insurrection on the Constitution should prevent anyone who swore an oath to the Constitution from running for office.” Former President Donald Trump committed an insurrection on the Constitution when he conspired with fake electors to overthrow the peoples vote, pressured Pence to reject electors, and incited followers to the Capitol and stood by and did nothing as harm fell on officers at the Capitol. It would be fraudulent to allow someone who committed an insurrection on the constitution a place on our state ballot. I am asking you as the Secretary of State or Commonwealth, or Election Administrator, who swore an oath to the Constitution to defend our democracy and uphold your oath by denying an insurrectionist a spot on our state ballot.

Thanks for taking action! You are amazing!

If you love the work we do and want to support, please consider pledging a future subscription. It’s only $5 a month and you won’t be charged unless we enable payments.

Everyone deserves to vote and thrive,

Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)

People Power United | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

I believe in the power of the people. I have seen the love and determination of folks stepping up to write letters and postcards to voters, signing petitions and letter campaigns, making calls, sending texts, hitting doors, and dropping literature. There is no power like that of the people, and People Power United stands ready to protect our communities against any and all injustices. -Laurie

Pssst. Did you know? The true strength of America is in her people. You are the power!

• We must re-commit to doing the work to elect leaders who will respect our will, protect our interests, and govern in our name. And we must hold them accountable.

• We must push for leaders on the local, state, and federal levels to stand strong and protect our rights and our freedoms. And we must hold them accountable.

• Lastly, we must invest in our communities. Investments today in our children, seniors, workers, housing, healthcare, environment, and other areas, will strengthen our nation.

With love in our hearts and hard work, we can and will reclaim our nation from the cruelty, chaos, and confusion. Click here to join us.

1. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2023/10/31/trump-2024-ballot-disqualification-trial-reelection/71379874007/ by Lawrence Tribe/Dennis Aftergut

“Whether by conspiring to create fake electoral slates, soliciting Vice President Mike Pence to illegally reject Congress’ election certification, or allegedly inciting his followers to overrun the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, counting of electoral votes, Trump took the law into his own hands in an attempt to overturn the constitutional structure itself.

That kind of subversion of a fundamental tenet of the Constitution is precisely what the 14th Amendment has to mean by “insurrection or rebellion against” it, the very definition of disqualifying conduct under Section 3.”