Duval Times

Jan 11, 2024

Senators Rick Scott and Thom Tillis have introduced the Constitutional Election Integrity Act, a bill aimed at preventing state politicians and entities from disqualifying presidential candidates from the ballot on constitutional matters that should be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. The legislation clarifies that the Supreme Court has the sole ability to decide legal claims arising from section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. It also includes provisions to withhold federal funding for election administration from states that misuse the 14th Amendment for political purposes.

Senator Rick Scott expressed his concern over the actions of state politicians, stating, "Kicking your political enemies off the ballot is the kind of stuff you see in communist countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and China—it should never be happening in the United States of America. Period." He further emphasized the importance of preserving democracy and citizens' right to vote for their president.

Senator Thom Tillis echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that regardless of personal opinions on former President Donald Trump, it is outrageous to see left-wing activists attempting to remove a candidate from the ballot through manipulation and pressure on judges. He stated, "American voters, not partisan activists, should decide who we elect as our President."

Senator Ted Budd also expressed his support for the bill, highlighting the undemocratic nature of attempts to interfere with lawful candidates and undermine election integrity. He stated, "That’s why I am proud to join Senator Tillis in his effort to restore election integrity and ensure that the voters get to determine the next president, not partisan actors."

Senator Cynthia Lummis raised concerns about the weaponization of state courts to remove candidates from the ballot, emphasizing the need to protect the American people's freedom to elect their president. She stated, "The Constitutional Election Integrity Act gives the U.S. Supreme Court the authority to preserve this sacred right."

Senator Markwayne Mullin echoed these sentiments, expressing his belief in protecting the sanctity of the Constitution and the system of checks and balances established by the Founding Fathers. He emphasized the importance of clarifying that challenges to the U.S. Constitution must be adjudicated by the Supreme Court, not partisan activists.

The Constitutional Election Integrity Act aims to restore freedom and democracy to elections and prevent the misuse of constitutional provisions for political purposes. It seeks to ensure that the U.S. Supreme Court has the final say on legal claims arising from the 14th Amendment, and to protect the rights of American citizens to vote for their president. The bill has been introduced by Senators Rick Scott and Thom Tillis, along with Senators J.D. Vance, Ted Budd, Cynthia Lummis, and Markwayne Mullin.

For more information on the legislation, the full text can be found here.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/1/sens-rick-scott-thom-tillis-lead-introduction-of-bill-to-require-scotus-review-of-presidential-candidate-qualifications