Statement on State Board of Elections Decision on Trump

Chicago – Today, the Illinois Board of Elections approved Donald J. Trump’s appearance on the 2024 ballot, despite a petition to remove him due to his role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

On January 28th, 2024, a retired Republican judge serving as hearing officer determined that a preponderance of the evidence required a finding that former President Trump engaged in the insurrection. This finding is aligned with determinations in Colorado and Maine that Trump engaged in the insurrection through his actions leading up to and on the January 6 attack on the Capitol and after.

Additionally, Illinois candidates are asked to sign a loyalty oath on candidate forms stating that they will not advocate to overthrow the government of the United States or Illinois. Although Trump signed the paperwork in 2016 and 2020, he did not elect to do so for the upcoming elections.

“The U.S. Constitution and Illinois law are clear – a former president who violates the oath to the Constitution and refuses to sign Illinois’ oath not to overthrow the government, is not qualified to be on the ballot.  Today’s decision by the Illinois State Board of Elections undermines our American system of democracy that is grounded in a recognition of the vote of the people as final. No one is above the law,” said Jay Young, Common Cause Illinois Executive Director.  

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process. 

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.