Lansing, MI - On Thursday, January 18, 2024, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson formally petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a clear and quick decision on former president Donald Trump’s eligibility to serve as president under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Trump v. Anderson, et.al. appeals a ruling barring the former president from the presidential primary ballot in Colorado.
“Our Constitution is clear – it is the responsibility of the U.S. Supreme Court to provide the certainty voters and election administrators need in this case without delay,” Secretary Benson said. “The American people need to be able to cast ballots in the upcoming presidential primary with confidence that this matter has been resolved.”
In a separate case in Michigan, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in December that the former president will appear on the ballot for the state’s Republican presidential primary on Feb. 27 unless the U.S. Supreme Court rules otherwise. The state Supreme Court’s ruling affirmed Secretary Benson’s position that Michigan law requires any person “generally advocated by the national news media to be potential presidential candidates,” along with any recommended by state political parties, to appear on the primary ballot.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed the amicus brief today on behalf of Secretary Benson. Oral arguments in the case begin on Feb. 8.
“I will continue to honor my obligation to ensure my decisions are nonpartisan, follow the law, and uphold our democratic process,” Benson said. “For the good of the nation, it’s time for us to get on with the business of holding free and fair elections and defending our democracy."