AUGUSTA, Maine — Editor's note: The video above was published Sept. 1, 2023.
A hearing discussing the validity of former President Donald Trump's appearance on Maine's presidential primary ballot has been scheduled for Friday following three challenges submitted to Maine's secretary of state last week.
The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Room 228 at the Maine State House, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows will serve as the presiding officer.
On Friday, Bellows received three challenges to Trump's presidential primary nomination petition from Paul Gordon, Mary Anne Royal and Benjamin Gaines on behalf of Kimberley Rosen, Thomas Saviello, and Ethan Strimling, the release stated.
During the hearing, the challengers must reportedly give sufficient evidence to render the primary nomination petition invalid.
Challengers argue Trump's 2024 primary nomination is invalid as the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bars Americans who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion from office. Additionally, challengers claim "Mr. Trump, in his view, has already been elected to the office of the President twice," according to hearing documents.
Bellows commented on the challenges ahead of Friday's hearing:
"I take very seriously the oath I took to defend the Constitution and the laws of our nation and state when I was sworn in as Secretary of State. I look forward to hearing from all parties at Friday's hearing."
A ruling is expected to be made on the challenges' validity by Dec. 22.
"Any person seeking to intervene in this matter shall file a written request with the Secretary of State to sos.office@maine.gov, copying the parties, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023," the release stated.
Live audio of the hearing will be available here.