Ohio’s Republican-dominated legislature may need to create an exception to the ballot deadline for President Joe Biden to appear on the state’s ballot this fall. The state’s deadline to certify presidential candidates is Aug. 7, almost two weeks before the Democratic National Convention where Biden is expected to be nominated. Ohio law requires candidates to be certified 90 days before the general election on Nov. 5, prompting concerns about Biden’s inclusion on the ballot. The Secretary of State’s office has requested assurance of timely compliance with Ohio law in a letter to the Democratic Party.
The Biden campaign has expressed confidence that the president will be on the ballot in all 50 states, despite the potential issue in Ohio. A similar situation arose before the 2020 presidential election when both party conventions were scheduled outside the deadline window, leading Ohio lawmakers to approve a change to the cutoff to 60 days, but only for that specific election. The current situation in Ohio presents the need for legislative action before May 9 to create an exception to the 90-day deadline or for the Democratic Party to move up their convention, which may pose a challenge.
Messages seeking comment from Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters and the state party were left unanswered on Monday. In the past two presidential elections, Trump has won Ohio, making it a crucial swing state. Despite losing to Biden in 2020, Trump’s victories in Ohio in both 2016 and 2020 have significance, especially since the state has a history of supporting winning presidential candidates. The potential exclusion of Biden from the Ohio ballot could have implications for the upcoming general election.
The outcome of Ohio’s ballot deadline issue remains uncertain as the state’s legislature and Democratic Party are urged to take action to ensure Biden’s inclusion on the ballot. With the general election scheduled for Nov. 5, the current deadline of Aug. 7 poses a challenge for meeting Ohio’s certification requirements. The Biden campaign’s statement of confidence in being on all 50 state ballots indicates optimism, but the need for legislative or party action in Ohio highlights the complexities of electoral processes and deadlines.
As the situation unfolds, the spotlight is on Ohio’s political landscape and the potential impact of Biden’s absence from the state’s ballot. The need for timely compliance with Ohio law and the implications of missing the deadline for presidential certification underscore the importance of addressing the issue promptly. The role of Ohio as a crucial battleground state in past elections adds to the significance of ensuring that all eligible candidates, including President Biden, are included on the ballot for the upcoming general election. The outcome of this issue could have broader implications for the electoral process and the representation of candidates in key states like Ohio.
