Does Biden even want to serve another term? And more importantly should he?
Ohio legislators faced a significant hurdle in securing President Joe Biden’s place on the state’s ballot for November, as they adjourned without resolving the issue. According to state law, presidential candidates must certify their nomination to the secretary of state’s office 90 days before the election, potentially jeopardizing Biden’s inclusion.
The timing presents a challenge because the Democratic National Convention isn’t set to confirm Biden as the nominee until August 19, missing Ohio’s deadline of August 7. To address this, Ohio’s Senate passed a bill allowing certification 74 days before the election, also including provisions to prohibit foreign investment in state ballot measures. However, this Senate bill differed from the House version, causing division among House Democrats.
While the House introduced a bill earlier in the week to ensure Biden’s presence on the ballot and prevent future scheduling conflicts, they adjourned without taking any action on Wednesday. This inaction prompted Secretary of State Frank LaRose to reiterate the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for a timely resolution.
Notably, this isn’t the first time such a dilemma has arisen. In 2020, exemptions were passed for both Democratic and Republican conventions, as they also fell after the 90-day deadline.
To rectify the current issue, an emergency fix must be signed by Governor Mike DeWine and delivered to LaRose’s office by Thursday, considering the 90-day requirement for legislation to take effect. Without swift action from lawmakers, Democrats may resort to legal action to ensure Biden’s inclusion on the ballot.
Similar concerns prompted action in other states, with Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama recently signing legislation to guarantee Biden’s appearance on the state’s ballot. These challenges underscore the intricate intersection of political scheduling and legal requirements in the electoral process.