BREAKING: Washington State judge blocks effort to remove Trump from ballot

Former President Donald Trump will remain on the ballot in Washington State, a judge has ruled.  


 
Thurston County Superior Court Judge Mary Sue Wilson rejected the effort that had been led by eight Kitsap County residents on Thursday, according to the Yakima Herald. 
 
“The court determines that the secretary of state acted consistent with his duties,” Wilson said. "An order directing the secretary of state to take different action, an order from this court, is simply not supported by the statutes and not supported by the affidavit of the electors.” 

The group had attempted to remove Trump's name from the ballot by arguing that he had violated Sec. 3 of the 14th Amendment and had been led by Frankey Ithaka, who is a Kitsap County middle school teacher.  

“If we are not a nation that adheres to the Constitution, then we have nothing to stand on,” Ithaka said after the court briefing.

As a result of the decision, printing of ballots that was being held up at the Washington Secretary of State's office can move forward. 

“I am grateful that Judge Wilson ruled in such a timely and well-considered fashion, and that she recognized that I and my staff have been working in full compliance with state law governing the presidential primary," Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said in a statement on Thursday. “We will continue working with our partners in county elections offices to get all the necessary materials for this election to every Washington voter.”

“Because Donald Trump was included among the candidates submitted by the chair of the Republican Party, he will appear on Washington’s presidential primary ballot unless a court order directs otherwise," wrote Karl Smith and Tera Heintz, deputy Washington solicitors general, representing Hobbs.