Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose recently warned that President Biden may not appear on the ballot in Ohio by Election Day. The Ohio Democratic Party has received multiple warnings from LaRose’s office and the state legislature regarding the potential issue. Biden’s candidacy is at risk due to Ohio’s requirement that parties certify their presidential candidates at least 90 days before the election, a deadline that may be missed due to the timing of the Democratic National Convention. LaRose emphasized the importance of voters having a choice in the presidential race while also stressing the need to follow existing laws.
The conflict arises from the fact that the Democratic Party won’t certify Biden until the national convention in Wisconsin on August 19, just 75 days before the election. LaRose stated that the Democratic Party has not provided a solution that aligns with Ohio’s election laws. He urged the party to act quickly to resolve the issue, as the Ohio House speaker has indicated that there will not be a legislative solution. LaRose suggested that the law may need to be changed to allow for Biden’s certification, or the Democratic Party may need to adjust its plans to comply with existing regulations.
Ohio Democrats had previously proposed a “provisional certification” for Biden’s candidacy, but LaRose argued that state law does not permit such a workaround. Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens and Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, both Republicans, expressed doubts about the legislature providing a solution to the issue. Stephens stated that there is no will among lawmakers to bail Biden out, while Russo mentioned the possibility of inner-party disputes or court actions to address the situation. Despite the uncertainty, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine reassured voters that Biden would be on the ballot in November, even suggesting that the courts may intervene if necessary.
LaRose’s letter to the Ohio Democratic Party on Tuesday urged prompt action to resolve the issue of Biden’s potential absence from the Ohio ballot. Biden’s candidacy is at risk due to the timing of the national convention conflicting with Ohio’s certification deadline. The need for compliance with state election laws was emphasized by LaRose, who called on the Democratic Party to find a solution in line with existing regulations. The potential impact of Biden being absent from the ballot could lead to disputes within the party or court interventions to ensure his inclusion.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Biden’s candidacy in Ohio has raised concerns among voters and officials alike. The urgency of resolving the issue before Election Day is paramount to ensure that voters have a choice in the presidential race. While the Democratic Party has yet to respond to LaRose’s letter, the pressure to find a resolution continues to mount. The potential consequences of not having Biden on the ballot in Ohio underscore the need for all parties involved to work together to find a legally acceptable remedy that upholds the law and respects the voters. The situation may require legislative changes or legal actions to ensure Biden’s presence on the ballot in November.
