Section 3 of the 14th Amendment is also in the Constitution; it makes clear that those who engage in treasonous insurrection are disqualified from holding public office.
The Colorado supreme court (its decision now moot) and the Maine secretary of state acted in good faith consistent with Section 3 and the authority of the states to determine eligibility for elections.
Being disqualified from holding public office pursuant to Section 3 doesn’t require a criminal conviction:
‘No one who has been formally disqualified under Section 3 was charged under the criminal “rebellion or insurrection” statute (18 U.S.C. § 2383) or its predecessors. This fact is consistent with Section 3’s text, legislative history, and precedent, all of which make clear that a criminal conviction for any offense is not required for disqualification.’
At least eight public officials have been formally adjudicated to be disqualified and barred from public office under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment since its ratification in 1868.
www.citizensforethics.org
Members of the Colorado supreme court and the Maine secretary of state are elected officials, representing the will of the people of their respective states consistent with their respective states’ laws – consequently their actions are not subjective personal opinion.
Consequently, no one is being told whom he may or may not vote for; rather, those disqualified from running for president won’t be placed on the ballot.