The Illinois State Board of Elections (SBE) is set to hold a vote later this month to decide whether to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's GOP primary ballot. The vote comes after a petition was filed by a handful of voters, citing the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and claiming that Trump's actions disqualified him from holding public office.

The petition, similar to those filed in several other states, alleges that Trump encouraged and supported those who participated in the Capitol protests on January 6, 2021. The 87-page document, signed by five individuals from across the state, argues that Trump's actions constituted "engaging in insurrection or rebellion" against the country, which is prohibited under the 14th Amendment.

Matt Dietrich, a spokesperson for the Illinois SBE, explained that the case will be assigned to a hearing officer during a special board meeting on January 17. The hearing officer, typically an election lawyer, retired judge, or retired member of the SBE's executive staff, will schedule hearings on the objection and provide a recommendation to the board's general counsel. On January 30, the full board will hear the case and make a final decision.

The Illinois SBE comprises eight members appointed by both Democrats and Republicans, with five votes required for a board order to take effect. In the event of a 4-4 vote, no action is considered taken, and the objection fails. However, both the objector and the candidate have the right to seek judicial review of an unfavorable ruling, potentially leading to court involvement.

The primary ballots for the March 19 primary in Illinois will be certified by the SBE at its upcoming meeting on January 11. If no unexpected developments occur, Trump's name, along with any other candidate facing objections, will be certified with "objection pending" next to their names. However, pending the board's January 30 vote, this status could change, and an amended certification of the ballot would be issued if necessary.

Responding to the attempt to exclude Trump from the state's GOP primary ballot, the Illinois Republican Party Chairman, Don Tracy, emphasized that the people, not activist courts, should have the opportunity to choose their representatives. Tracy criticized the attempt to remove Trump without due process, calling it an anti-democratic move that limits the voting rights of Illinois citizens.

The Illinois Democratic Party did not provide a response to the matter when requested by Fox News Digital.

The filing period for objections to presidential candidates in the state's primary ballot ends on January 12 at 5 p.m. Several candidates, including President Joe Biden, Trump, former South Carolina Republican Governor Nikki Haley, and Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, have filed petitions to appear on the Republican and Democrat primary ballots.

It is worth noting that Colorado and Maine have already barred Trump's name from their primary election ballots. Trump has taken legal action, appealing to the Supreme Court in both cases. Arguments for the Colorado case are scheduled for February 8, while the appeal for Maine's decision has been sent to the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine.

As the SBE prepares for its vote, all eyes will be on Illinois to see if Trump's name remains on the GOP primary ballot or if legal challenges will further shape the 2024 election landscape.