Gender Divide on Trump Ballot Decision 

By Ivan Sanchez& The recent Supreme Court case of Donald J. Trump v. Norma Anderson et al. tackled the contentious issue of whether states possess the authority to enforce Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment against Presidential candidates. The Justices’ opinions shed light on the delicate balance between state and federal powers, particularly in the context of a Presidential election. Justice Barrett, in her concurrence, stressed the limited scope of the case, which was brought by Colorado voters under state law. She concurred with the majority’s opinion that states lack the power to enforce Section 3, emphasizing that the case did not warrant an examination of whether federal legislation is the exclusive means of enforcing the provision. Justice Barrett underscored the importance of unity among the Justices, particularly during politically charged times like a Presidential election season. She stated, “This suit was brought by Colorado voters under state law in state court. It does not require us to address the complicated question whether federal legislation is the exclusive vehicle through which Section 3 can be enforced.” Conversely, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji-BrownJackson, concurring in the judgment, expressed concerns about the Court’s departure from the principle of judicial restraint....