Ohio’s Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, issued a letter stating that President Joe Biden may face difficulties getting on Ohio’s 2024 general election ballot unless changes are made by Democrats or the state legislature takes action. Ohio law requires a presidential candidate to be certified by August 7, but this year’s Democratic National Convention starts on August 19. Paul Disantis, chief legal counsel for the Ohio Secretary of State, outlined the options for getting Biden on the ballot in a letter to Ohio Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Walters.
Disantis suggested that the Democratic National Committee either needs to move up its nominating convention or the Ohio General Assembly must create an exception to the statutory requirement by May 9, 2024. The Ohio Democratic Party Communications Director Matt Keyes stated that they are looking into the matter, while the Biden campaign spokesperson expressed confidence that Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states. The deadline for action is critical because former President Donald Trump beat Biden in Ohio by over 8% in 2020.
These developments raise concerns about Biden’s ability to remain on Ohio’s 2024 general election ballot. The situation highlights the complexities and challenges associated with ensuring that a presidential candidate meets all state-specific requirements to appear on the ballot. The need for potential changes by the Democratic National Committee or the Ohio General Assembly underscores the importance of adhering to the state’s election laws and deadlines. It remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and whether any modifications or exceptions will be made to accommodate Biden’s candidacy in Ohio.
The letter from the office of Ohio’s Secretary of State brings attention to the necessary steps that must be taken to ensure Biden’s presence on the state’s 2024 general election ballot. The conflict between the August 7 certification deadline and the start date of the Democratic National Convention poses a significant challenge for Biden’s candidacy in Ohio. The potential need for changes to the convention timeline or state legislation further complicates the situation and requires prompt action to address the issue and secure Biden’s place on the ballot.
Despite the obstacles outlined in the letter, the Biden campaign remains confident that Biden will be on the ballot in Ohio and all other states. The campaign’s assurance reflects a commitment to overcoming any potential challenges and ensuring that Biden’s candidacy is well-represented in the 2024 general election. The reported victory of former President Trump in Ohio in 2020 adds an additional layer of significance to the current situation, highlighting the importance of securing Biden’s presence on the state’s ballot to compete effectively in the upcoming election.
The details of the letter from Ohio’s Secretary of State’s office were initially reported by ABC News, drawing attention to the potential complications surrounding Biden’s candidacy in Ohio. The letter’s contents underscore the urgency of addressing the conflict between the certification deadline and the Democratic National Convention’s start date, emphasizing the need for timely action to resolve the issue. The response from the Ohio Democratic Party and the Biden campaign indicates ongoing efforts to navigate the situation and ensure that Biden’s name appears on the 2024 general election ballot, reflecting a determination to overcome any obstacles that may arise.
