Trump files appeal over Maine decision banning him from state ballot as an insurrectionist

Donald Trump on Tuesday reportedly filed an appeal in which the former president challenges the state of Maine's decision to bar him from the president for having engaged in an insurrection against the United States.

Trump, who has faced semi-successful ballot removal efforts in Maine and Colorado, hopes to reverse a removal that experts say could actually affect him in a general election. The appeal was widely expected, according to local news reports.

Trump's campaign filed the appeal in a major challenge to the decision by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, according to Lewiston Sun Journal.

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"A clerk in Kennebec County Superior Court confirmed late Tuesday afternoon that the campaign filed a formal appeal. The clerk said a judge was reviewing the filing and a copy was not immediately available," the outlet reported.

The report continues:

"Secretary of State Shenna Bellows ruled last week that Trump was not qualified to appear on the ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits people from holding office if they 'have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the (Constitution), or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.'"