Trump supporters rejoice after New York State Board of Elections votes to put ex-POTUS on presidential primary ballot

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a pivotal decision just two days ahead of a Supreme Court hearing, the New York State Board of Elections has voted to place former President Donald Trump on the state's presidential primary ballot. 

The decision, made on Tuesday, February 6, has sparked controversy and stirred debate over Trump's eligibility amid lingering concerns over his alleged role in the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.

Republican commissioners uphold Trump's eligibility

The bipartisan board, comprising four members, saw its two Republican commissioners, Anthony Casale and Peter Kosinski, firmly rejecting arguments for disqualifying Trump, aged 77, over his involvement in the Capitol breach.

The duo, who hold sway over GOP candidate eligibility, maintained their decision was bound by state regulations concerning a candidate's national prominence and campaign finances.

"Much correspondence has been received regarding ballot access for former President Trump asking us to remove him from the ballot. The commissioner and the staff have all reviewed each and every piece of correspondence received," Casale stated.

Highlighting the procedural aspects, Kosinski noted that the absence of formal objections, as per the stipulated guidelines, precluded any disqualification.

"These rules are in place to provide due process to all candidates so that they have an opportunity to answer any objections made to their candidacy and to ensure that all candidates and objectors are held to the same standard," Kosinski elaborated.

The Republican framework for ballot access, as outlined, hinges on criteria such as national recognition, campaign finance certifications, and gathering requisite petitions.

"No matter what critics say, our authority extends to those two criteria. We don’t feel we have the authority to go beyond that," Casale remarked.

Inclusion of contenders and ongoing debate

In the wake of this decision, Trump, along with other contenders like former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, secured approval for inclusion on the ballot.

While both Christie and Ramaswamy have suspended their campaigns, they have not formally withdrawn from consideration in New York. However, the rejection of candidates Ryan Binkley and David Stuckenberg, coupled with Democrat State Sen Brad Hoylman-Sigal's objection, has added fuel to the ongoing debate.

Hoylman-Sigal, invoking the 14th Amendment, has vehemently contested Trump's eligibility, citing provisions against officeholders involved in insurrection or rebellion.

"The Board of Elections can still uphold the United States Constitution by sustaining our objection and disqualifying Donald Trump from the presidential ballot," Hoylman-Sigal asserted, signaling intent to challenge the decision in court.

“As the Colorado State Supreme Court has already rightfully ruled, Donald Trump is disqualified from holding any elected office in the United States due to engaging in and inciting a violent insurrection in which he attempted to overturn the will of the American people while taking multiple lives,” the lawmaker continued, adding, “Should the Board of Elections fail to do their duty and rule Trump eligible, I will see them in court.”

As the legal battle intensifies, the upcoming Supreme Court hearing looms large. Scheduled for Thursday, February 8, the hearing will determine whether Trump can be barred from state presidential ballots, following the precedent set by the Colorado Supreme Court, the New York Post reported.

Internet reacts to Donald Trump's inclusion in New York primary ballot

Trump supporters celebrated Tuesday's vote that allowed the former president's candidacy in New York.

"Awesome!" one posted on X.

"King Trump rules!" another wrote.

"If you protest Trump being on a ballot, you’re a Nazi," someone else added.

"Get Over It! President Trump has done so much For America, beyond compare!" another gushed.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.