The Ohio General Assembly adjourned without addressing an issue raised by the state’s top elections official, Republican secretary of state Frank LaRose, regarding the inclusion of President Biden on the state’s ballot in November. LaRose plans to exclude Biden due to a deadline for certifying presidential nominees, although this issue is typically resolved to ensure major candidates appear on the ballot. The Biden campaign is considering legal action or seeking an alternative resolution to the problem. A potential legal battle could be costly and time-consuming, following a recent Supreme Court ruling involving an issue with former President Trump’s eligibility.
Ohio is not a swing state, having been won by Trump in the past election, but the Biden campaign may face a lengthy legal fight to ensure the president’s inclusion on all 50 state ballots. Efforts to push back the certification deadline to accommodate the Democratic National Convention stalled due to the inclusion of a partisan measure by Ohio Senate Republicans. LaRose has insisted that passing this measure banning foreign donations is necessary for Biden to be on the ballot, or else he will enforce the law as written.
Despite the challenges, a Biden campaign spokesman has stated that the president will be on the ballot in all 50 states. Ohio has previously granted temporary extensions to certification deadlines for presidential nominees, including Obama, Romney, and Trump in past elections. The Washington State Democrats resolved a similar issue this year by offering a provisional certification of Biden’s nomination, but LaRose rejected this solution citing a legal opinion.
Ohio Democrats have criticized the lack of a legislative solution, accusing Republicans of trying to prevent Biden from appearing on the ballot. The state party chairwoman asserted that GOP politicians in Columbus are attempting to limit Ohioans’ choice in the presidential election. The ongoing dispute may result in a legal battle or alternative resolutions being sought by the Biden campaign to ensure the president’s inclusion on the Ohio ballot. The issue has sparked partisan clashes and accusations of political gamesmanship within the state legislature.
