Staff Reports
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) is taking decisive steps to ensure that President Joe Biden appears on the state’s 2024 ballot. DeWine is calling for a special session of the Ohio General Assembly to address the issue, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the matter. He expressed frustration over the possibility of Biden being excluded from the ballot, calling it unacceptable and ridiculous.
Currently, the deadline for certifying a candidate’s name on the Ohio ballot is 90 days before the general election, which is August 7. However, the Democratic National Convention, where Biden is expected to be nominated, is scheduled for August 19-22. The Ohio Senate passed a bill to address this timing conflict by allowing certification 74 days before the election, but the House did not act on the bill before adjourning.
“"We cannot win this reelection.. we can only reelect Donald Trump!" Biden said while speaking to a group of rallygoers in Missouri. “
Joe Biden Says the Quiet Part Out Loud About the Election https://t.co/4pAb3lnvA4
— Thinker❌ @thinker (@XThinkerXX) May 24, 2024
Secretary of State Frank LaRose has emphasized that next Wednesday is the absolute deadline for resolving the ballot certification issue. The state legislature's inaction has raised concerns about a potential partisan battle over foreign money in state ballot campaigns, an issue highlighted by recent efforts influenced by foreign money to enshrine abortion rights in Ohio’s constitution.
Governor DeWine has stated that the special session will also tackle the issue of foreign campaign contributions, aiming to protect Ohio’s elections from outside influence. A spokesman for Senate President Matt Huffman expressed support for the governor’s initiative, underlining the importance of banning foreign campaign contributions while also correcting the error that could prevent Biden’s name from appearing on the November ballot.
