Lawmaker asks political opinion on removing Donald Trump from Tennessee ballot

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Tennessee lawmaker is asking if Donald Trump should be removed from the ballot in the state.

Democrat Vincent Dixie represents a district in Nashville.

He has written a letter to the state attorney general raising the question if Donald Trump’s conviction should bar him from running for President according to Tennessee law.

Here is his letter:

Rep. Vincent Dixie

“Dear Attorney General Skrmetti,

I am writing to request a formal legal opinion regarding the eligibility of a candidate for U.S. president who has been convicted of an “infamous crime” in another state, specifically in relation to their qualification to appear on Tennessee’s ballot. This inquiry pertains to the recent convictions of former President Donald Trump.

As you are aware, Tennessee Code Title 40, Criminal Procedure § 40-20-114, states:

“(a) A person who has been convicted in this state of an infamous crime, as defined by § 40-20-112, other than one specified in subsection (b), or convicted under the laws of the United States or another state of an offense that would constitute an infamous crime if committed in this state, shall be disqualified from qualifying for, seeking election to or holding a public office in this state, unless and until that person’s citizenship rights have been restored by a court of competent jurisdiction.”

The primary intent of this statute is to protect the public from individuals who refuse to adhere to the laws they are meant to uphold. In the case of Donald Trump, he was convicted of 34 felony counts related to his effort to conceal critical information from voters during the 2016 election. This case, which centered on election interference, resulted in his conviction in New York for falsifying his company’s business records to hide damaging information from the electorate.

These convictions reflect serious criminal offenses, including first-degree falsification of business records, a crime prosecuted vigorously in both New York and Tennessee. The evidence presented was substantial, with many falsified documents bearing Trump’s signature, illustrating a deliberate effort to deceive voters and interfere with the election process.

Given the severity and nature of these crimes, which include lying in official filings and engaging in deceitful practices to influence the outcome of an election, I seek your legal interpretation on whether Donald Trump’s convictions in New York constitute an “infamous crime” under Tennessee law. Specifically, does this disqualify him from appearing on Tennessee’s ballot for the U.S. presidential election?

It is crucial for Tennesseans to trust that their elected officials are held to the highest standards of legality and ethics. Allowing a candidate with such convictions to appear on the ballot would undermine this trust and the rule of law. The public’s interest in maintaining integrity in our electoral process necessitates that individuals convicted of serious crimes be held accountable and disqualified from holding public office.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your guidance on this important issue.

Sincerely,
Rep. Vincent Dixie”