In the midst of preparations for the 2024 presidential election, Democratic President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is facing obstacles in Ohio and Alabama, where Republican-controlled state governments are challenging his placement on the fall ballot. Both states, with a combined total of 26 electoral votes, have ballot deadlines prior to the Democratic National Convention in August. The Biden campaign has requested provisional certifications to meet the deadlines, but Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose have raised legal objections to this approach.
Allen cited his obligation to uphold Alabama law as the reason for rejecting provisional certification, despite the Democratic Party’s accusations of partisan interference. In Ohio, LaRose’s letter to the Democratic Party suggested the need for a legislative fix to accommodate Biden on the ballot. This issue has arisen due to technical conflicts between Biden’s nomination and the state ballot deadlines, leading to a contentious political standoff between the parties.
The controversy over striking a presidential candidate from the ballot began with last year’s legal campaign to remove former President Donald Trump from various state ballots. Although the Supreme Court ruled against this action, Alabama and Ohio are proceeding with their challenges to Biden’s placement on the ballot. The Biden campaign argues that the states have accepted provisional certifications in the past, including for Trump, and should do so for Biden as well.
Efforts are underway in both Alabama and Ohio to address the ballot deadline issue, with Democratic lawmakers introducing legislation to push back the certification deadline. In Ohio, however, the Republican Senate President indicated that Democrats would need to propose a solution to the problem. If provisional certifications or legislative fixes fail, Democrats may consider litigation or altering the convention schedule to ensure Biden’s certification.
The Biden campaign asserts that he is the presumptive nominee and should be on the ballot to protect voters’ rights. Republicans in both states have expressed support for accommodating Biden on the ballot, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a fair and inclusive election process. While some political figures, such as Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance, anticipate an accommodation for Biden, the situation remains unresolved as the election approaches. The outcome will ultimately depend on the resolution of the legal and procedural challenges facing the Biden campaign in Ohio and Alabama.
