By WMBD-TV
PEORIA – Many Local County Clerk Offices have begun to react after Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter ruled that Donald Trump cannot stay on the Illinois Primary Ballot on Wednesday.
Judge Porter removed Trump under the 14th Amendment’s Insurrection Clause. Illinois is the third state to attempt to remove Trump from the ballot after challenges in Maine and Colorado.
The Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman released a statement in response to the ruling on Wednesday, stating that Trump will stay on the ballot while Trump’s legal team is working to appeal the decisions.
“We want to reassure the public that at this time no changes are taking place with March 2024 Primary Ballots,” Ackerman stated. “Republican Party Primary Ballots will still have Donald Trump as a candidate. Anyone that has already participated in In-Person Early Voting or Vote-By-Mail does not need to take any action at this time.”
McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael stated that she was incensed by the court’s decision.
“What I am incensed about are the thousands of votes which have already been cast,” Michael stated. “If this isn’t voter suppression, scaring or discouraging voters, I don’t know what is.”
On Thursday, other local counties sent out statements that Trump will remain on the ballot, including Peoria and Fulton Counties.
Both of the counties stated that anyone who has already participated in early or mail-in voting does not need to take any action.
They also both stated they will follow any affirmed judiciary ruling as it relates to the 2024 Presidential Election, and will share any updated rulings with voters as they are made to the clerk’s offices.
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