Ohio Governor Calls Special Session to Ensure President Biden's 2024 Ballot Placement

Ohio's Republican Governor, Mike DeWine, has announced an extraordinary move by calling a rare special session of the General Assembly next week to pass vital legislation. The purpose of this session is to ensure that President Joe Biden is on the state's 2024 ballot. The urgency of the situation has prompted the governor to view this as a matter of utmost importance, emphasizing that time is running out.

The special session, scheduled for next Tuesday, has been deemed essential by Governor DeWine. He reiterated his stance, stating, "Ohio is running out of time to get Joe Biden, the sitting president of the United States, on the ballot this fall. Failing to do so is simply unacceptable."

Partisan Legislative Fight

The question of President Biden's appearance on the ballot has become entangled in a partisan legislative fight, primarily concerning the exclusion of foreign money from state ballot campaigns. This comes in the wake of a previous instance where foreign funds, linked to a Swiss billionaire, influenced the successful effort to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution.

The looming deadline for the inclusion of President Biden on the ballot coincides with the Democratic National Convention, where he is set to be formally nominated. With Ohio's ballot deadline of August 7 and the convention scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, time is indeed of the essence.

Struggle for Adjustment

Ohio's certification deadline was previously changed from 60 to 90 days ahead of the general election. As a result, state lawmakers have had to make adjustments twice before to accommodate candidates of both parties. However, in the current scenario, lawmakers have encountered difficulties in devising a solution within the stipulated timeframe.

Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, has emphasized the urgency by highlighting the upcoming drop-dead deadline of next Wednesday. The time constraints have compelled Governor DeWine to take decisive action, stating, "I've waited. I've been patient. And my patience has run out."

Proposed Legislation

The proposed legislation not only aims to ensure President Biden's inclusion on the ballot but also seeks to ban foreign nationals from contributing to Ohio ballot measures. This provision has been described as a "poison pill" in the fragmented Ohio House, where Republicans rely on Democratic votes for passing certain legislation.