The 2024 presidential election is already proving to be a breeding ground for controversy, with states taking an audacious step towards undermining the democratic process.

The deliberate attempt to exclude former President Donald Trump from primary ballots in Colorado and Maine has sparked a constitutional crisis that demands not just careful consideration, but a scathing critique of the dubious motivations at play.

The potential ramifications of allowing states to arbitrarily exclude candidates from primary ballots extend far beyond the immediate consequences of any single exclusion.

Such actions, if left unchecked, could establish a dangerous precedent. Permitting states to wield unchecked power over candidate inclusion sets a precedent reminiscent of more authoritarian regimes.

In democratic societies, the emphasis should be on inclusivity and ensuring a fair and level playing field for all candidates. Allowing arbitrary exclusions opens the door to tactics that mirror authoritarian practices, where those in power determine who can participate and who is silenced.

Those advocating for Trump’s exclusion conveniently brush aside the truth that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment is being trampled on. Ostensibly conceived to prevent discrimination, this clause is now shamelessly manipulated to rationalise the exclusion of a popular political opponent.

By considering the removal of Trump from primary ballots, states are engaging in a blatant act of discrimination, undermining the foundation of equal protection under the law.

The so-called commitment to fairness in the political process is nothing more than a façade, as states are now violating the principles they claim to uphold.

The exclusion of Trump without ironclad justification transforms the Equal Protection Clause from a safeguard against discrimination into a mere rhetorical flourish conveniently discarded when politically expedient.

Perhaps most concerning is the potential chilling effect on citizen engagement. When individuals perceive that their preferred candidates are being arbitrarily excluded, it diminishes their incentive to actively participate in the democratic process.

The risk is that citizens may become disillusioned, viewing the political system as one that is manipulated and unresponsive to their voices, ultimately leading to decreased voter turnout and civic engagement.

The constitutional concerns surrounding the freedom of association are equally disturbing. The First Amendment’s protection of this fundamental right is callously cast aside as states contemplate stifling the voices of Trump’s supporters.

By eliminating him from the primary ballots, states are actively infringing on the political expression and association rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Public opinion serves as a crucial barometer of the democratic pulse, providing valuable insights into the sentiments of the electorate.

Examining polls and surveys on the exclusion of Donald Trump from primary ballots underscores the divergence between the actions of certain states and the will of a significant portion of the population.

Recent polls conducted across diverse demographics reveal a noteworthy trend: a substantial number of citizens want to vote for Trump in the 2024.

The disingenuous argument that exclusion is necessary for the greater good crumbles under scrutiny. In reality, it is a thinly veiled attempt to silence a significant segment of the population and manipulate the democratic process to suit certain political agendas.

The states’ interference with the freedom of association is not just an affront to the Constitution but a dangerous precedent that threatens the very essence of a free and fair election.

As states arrogantly assert their authority over the primary process, they trample upon the autonomy of political parties. The Constitution does not grant states the power to dictate who graces a party’s primary ballot, and any attempt to do so constitutes an egregious overreach.

This meddling disrupts the internal workings of political parties and undermines the democratic principle that parties have the right to determine their candidates independently.

The decision by states to exclude Trump from the 2024 primary ballots is not just constitutionally suspect; it is a brazen violation of the so-called ‘democratic process’.

The Equal Protection Clause is being cynically manipulated, the freedom of association is being trampled upon, and the autonomy of political parties is under direct threat.

States should be held accountable for this unconstitutional overreach, as it jeopardises the trust that citizens place in the integrity of the electoral process.

The path to a fair and democratic election does not involve excluding individuals based on political expediency; it demands an unwavering commitment to upholding the constitutional principles that form the bedrock of free elections.