Ohio Republicans Push for Exception to Ballot Deadline for Biden

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - The upcoming Ohio election ballots could potentially exclude President Joe Biden this fall if the state's Republican-dominated legislature doesn't make an exception to the ballot deadline or if the Democratic Party fails to adjust its convention date, according to the office responsible for overseeing the state's elections.

Presidential Certification Deadline and Democratic National Convention

Ohio's deadline to certify presidential candidates for the general election is Aug. 7, almost two weeks prior to the Democratic National Convention. The Democratic National Convention, where Biden is expected to be nominated to run against Republican challenger Donald Trump, is crucial to the certification process. Highlighting this issue, a letter penned last week by Paul DiSantis, chief legal counsel for Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, stated that Ohio law mandates the certification of presidential candidates 90 days before the general election, scheduled for Nov. 5 this year.

Urgent Request for Timely Compliance

The letter from the office overseeing Ohio's elections to the concerned parties emphasized the urgency of the situation. It urged them to provide any information that could guarantee timely compliance with Ohio law. The need for prompt action was stressed – "Please contact me as soon as possible with any information that can assure this office of timely compliance with Ohio law," the letter read.

Addressing the issue, the Biden campaign emphasized their confidence in Biden's presence on the ballot in all 50 states. The campaign assured that they are monitoring the situation in Ohio and are optimistic about Biden's inclusion on the ballot despite the current snag.

Urgent Action Required

Expressing the urgency of the matter, the letter sent to Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters stressed the need for the legislature to act by May 9 to create an exception to the 90-day deadline. Alternatively, Democrats would have to consider advancing their convention date, which appears to be an unlikely scenario. Messages seeking comment were left with Walters and the state party on Monday, indicating the gravity of the situation.