Secretary Chapman: Bar Insurrectionists from the Ballot in Pennsylvania
On January 6, 2021, former President Donald Trump incited hundreds of violent insurrectionists to storm the Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Allies in Congress and other elected offices across the country were involved in planning meetings for overturning the election results, “Stop the Steal” rallies, and the violent events of January 6th. As a result, five people died and more than 140 officers were injured in a seditious attack that shook our democracy to its core.
Now, Trump is preparing to run for president again in 2024, while his insurrectionist allies seek re-election in 2022.
These bids for power are not just dangerous for our democracy – they are unconstitutional. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, also known as the Insurrectionist Disqualification Clause, bars from public office any individual who has taken an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and then engages in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or gives aid or comfort to those who have.
Donald Trump’s incitement of the insurrection designed to prevent the certification of democratic election results, as well as State Senator Doug Mastriano’s involvement in the violent attack on Congress, make them disqualified, under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, from holding future public office. In addition, Representative Scott Perry was involved in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election and needs to be investigated as to whether he is disqualified, under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, from holding future public office.
Applying the rule of law requires us to hold our elected officials accountable to the Insurrectionist Disqualification Clause. Secretary of the Commonwealth Leigh Chapman has a responsibility to bar Trump and Mastriano from any future ballot, as well as investigate whether Rep. Perry participated in the January 6 insurrection.
Sign if you agree: Secretary Chapman must abide by Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and bar insurrectionists from appearing on any future ballot.
