President Biden faces a significant challenge as he may not appear on the ballot in Ohio come Election Day. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has issued a stern warning that Biden is on track to miss the state’s candidate certification deadline, a requirement set by Ohio law. This situation has escalated into an urgent concern for the Ohio Democratic Party, which has been cautioned repeatedly over the past weeks.
The Certification Conflict
Ohio law mandates that political parties must certify their presidential candidates at least 90 days before Election Day. However, the Democratic Party plans to certify Biden’s candidacy at its national convention in Wisconsin on August 19, just 75 days before the election. This timeline conflicts with Ohio’s legal requirements, potentially barring Biden from appearing on the state’s ballot.
LaRose, a Republican, emphasized the necessity of adhering to the law while ensuring voters have choices. “I’ve said from here to Colorado that it’s in the best interest of voters to have a choice in the race for president. I’m also duty-bound to follow the law as Ohio’s chief elections officer,” LaRose stated on Tuesday.
Democratic Party’s Dilemma
Despite the urgency, the Democratic Party has yet to propose a legally viable solution. Ohio Democrats suggested a “provisional certification” for Biden, but LaRose countered that state law does not accommodate such a provision. The party faces the tough choice of altering its certification schedule or seeking legislative changes, the latter of which seems unlikely.
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, a Republican, confirmed the legislature’s reluctance to amend the law for Biden’s benefit. “There’s just not the will to do that from the legislature,” Stephens told reporters.
Potential Court Actions
With legislative solutions off the table, the Democratic Party might consider legal action. Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo acknowledged the political challenges and hinted at possible court interventions. “We’ve seen the dysfunction here in this place… I think at this point, you’re probably going to see either, you know, some sort of inner party effects or perhaps court action,” Russo stated.
The Path Forward
The Ohio Democratic Party must act swiftly to resolve this issue. As it stands, Biden’s absence from the Ohio ballot would be a significant blow to his campaign, especially in a crucial swing state. Both parties agree on the importance of having Biden on the ballot, but the path to making that happen remains fraught with legal and procedural hurdles.
The urgency of the situation calls for immediate action from the Democratic Party, whether by adjusting their certification timeline or pursuing legal remedies. Voters and party officials alike are watching closely as the deadline approaches, with the hope that a solution can be found that respects both the law and the democratic process.
Biden’s ballot issues in Ohio present a critical test for the Democratic Party’s organizational and legal strategies. As Election Day looms, the pressure mounts to find a resolution that ensures Biden’s name appears on the Ohio ballot, reflecting the will of the voters while adhering to state law. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining the outcome of this electoral challenge.
