Ohio Governor Demands Action to Ensure President Biden's Presence on State's Ballot

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
25/05/2024 21h28

In a race against the clock, Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine is pushing for legislation to guarantee President Joe Biden's appearance on the state's election ballot. With time running out for the Democratic nominee to meet Ohio's filing deadline, DeWine called for a special General Assembly session to address the issue.

Ohio law requires that each political party certify their presidential candidates at least 90 days before the election. However, with the Democratic Party hosting a late national convention this year on August 19, only 75 days ahead of the election, Biden faces the risk of missing the state's filing deadline.

Expressing his frustration, Governor DeWine criticized Thursday's General Assembly session for failing to take any action, deeming it "simply unacceptable." He stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that Ohio is running out of time to include the sitting President of the United States on the ballot.

During the special session, DeWine aims to pass legislation that ensures both major presidential candidates will be listed on the Ohio ballot in November. Additionally, he plans to introduce a bill that would prohibit campaign spending by foreign nationals.

Despite being a Republican himself, DeWine scolded members of his own party for not making earnest efforts to resolve the issue. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, also a Republican, echoed these concerns, stating that the Democratic Party has yet to offer a legally acceptable solution that aligns with existing law.

LaRose emphasized the importance of providing voters with a choice in the race for president while also upholding his duty as Ohio's chief elections officer to follow the law. He lamented that, as it currently stands, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee will not be on the Ohio ballot due to a conflict in the law created by the party.

The upcoming special session will play a crucial role in determining whether the state legislature will modify the law to accommodate Biden's certification or if the Democratic Party will need to adjust its plans accordingly. Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, also a Republican, has stated that lawmakers are not inclined to assist Biden in meeting the filing deadline.

As the race against time continues, all eyes are on Ohio's efforts to ensure the inclusion of President Joe Biden on the state's ballot. The outcome of the special General Assembly session will have significant implications for the upcoming election, highlighting the importance of adhering to election requirements while upholding the democratic principles of choice and representation.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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