Despite the recent indictment of former President Donald Trump, he may still be eligible to run for president once again in 2024. This is due to the fact that there is no constitutional barrier preventing a felon from running for office.
Richard Hasen, an election law professor at UCLA Law School, explains that "there is no constitutional bar on a felon running for office." This means that even if Trump were convicted and sentenced as a result of his pending criminal investigation, he could still run for president in the future.
This news has caused concern among many who believe that someone with a criminal record should not hold such an important position of power. However, according to Hasen, it ultimately comes down to the voters' decision.
"The voters get to decide whether or not they want someone with a criminal record as their leader," says Hasen. "It's up to them to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision."
This raises questions about how much weight voters give to past criminal convictions when selecting their leaders. Will they overlook it if they believe that person can effectively lead? Or will it become an insurmountable obstacle?
Regardless of what happens next in Trump's legal proceedings, this revelation highlights a gap in our electoral system. It begs the question: Should there be stricter requirements for individuals seeking high political positions?
Only time will tell how significant this issue becomes in future elections. For now, though, we are left wondering how much people value honesty and integrity when choosing who represents them on both national and global stages.