Illinois elections board votes to keep Trump on primary ballot

The Illinois State Board of Elections ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump could remain on the state's primary ballot, delivering the former president a key victory in a Democratic stronghold. 

The eight-member state board, which includes four Republicans and four Democrats, made the decision in a unanimous vote. The former president's status in the Prairie State’s primary, which is scheduled for March 19, was thrown in doubt after a group of voters sought to keep his name off the ballot, citing the 14th Amendment’s “insurrection” clause.  

Recent rulings in Maine and Colorado were in favor of keeping Trump off their respective primary ballots, citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits certain officials from holding public office if, after previously taking an oath to support the Constitution, they then engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States.

Trump’s name, however, will remain on the Colorado ballot as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in that case next week. The ruling will have implications on whether Trump’s name could be placed on other primary ballots across the country.