Ohio Governor Calls Special Session to Ensure Biden's Appearance on 2024 Ballot

Ohio's Republican Governor, Mike DeWine, has announced a special session of the General Assembly next week to pass legislation guaranteeing the appearance of President Joe Biden on the state's 2024 ballot. Governor DeWine expressed his concerns about time running out and emphasized the importance of having Biden's name on the ballot.

The issue of Biden's candidacy has become entangled in a partisan battle over foreign money in state ballot campaigns. Last year, funds linked to a Swiss billionaire played a significant role in securing the inclusion of abortion rights in Ohio's constitution, despite being a staunchly Republican state.

The upcoming Democratic National Convention, where Biden is expected to be officially nominated, falls after Ohio's ballot deadline of August 7. This time constraint has led to the need for a special session to address the matter promptly.

Ohio has previously adjusted its certification deadline to accommodate candidates from both parties in 2012 and 2020, but these changes were only temporary. With the May 9 cutoff set by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, lawmakers were unable to fix the issue in time. LaRose has now stated that next Wednesday is the critical deadline.

Governor DeWine's proclamation allows for the passage of a Senate version of the bill that not only ensures Biden's appearance on the ballot but also prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to Ohio ballot measures. However, this proposal has faced opposition in the fractured Ohio House, where Republicans rely on Democratic votes to pass certain legislation.

Senate President Matt Huffman's spokesperson has encouraged House leadership to allow a vote on House Bill 114, supporting Governor DeWine's initiative. The statement emphasizes the need to protect Ohio's elections by banning foreign campaign contributions and rectifying the error that prevented Joe Biden's inclusion on the November ballot.

In response, Ohio House Democratic leader Allison Russo argues that money from foreign donors is already illegal, suggesting that the real issue lies with dark money going to candidates. She accuses Republicans of changing the rules when they cannot win and attempting to undermine citizens' ability to fund ballot initiatives.

State Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters called out GOP lawmakers for politicizing the process and disenfranchising Ohioans. Walters highlights the urgency to pass the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act, which strengthens the ban on foreign money, requires dark money groups to disclose their funding sources, and enhances spending transparency.

Regardless of the political gamesmanship, Walters expresses confidence that Joe Biden will ultimately be included on the Ohio ballot. Republican Senator JD Vance, representing Ohio, has voiced support for the special session, considering it a reasonable compromise to keep out foreign money and ensure the presence of both major parties' nominees on the ballot.

The special session is scheduled for next Tuesday, indicating the pressing need to address the ballot issue promptly. Ohio remains focused on resolving the ongoing debate surrounding foreign contributions and guaranteeing the representation of presidential candidates in its future elections.