Staff Reports
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose criticized the Democrats for their scheduling of the Democratic National Convention, saying it could prevent President Joe Biden from being on the ballot in Ohio. A state law requires parties to confirm their presidential candidates 90 days before the November general election, which is August 7. However, the convention, where Biden will be nominated, is scheduled for August 9. LaRose, a Republican, emphasized that he would not bend the rules to benefit a candidate, insisting on upholding the law. He expressed frustration that Republicans, who are now in control, must deal with the problem in a special session, even though it was Democrats who were in control when the election law was passed over a decade ago. Moreover, LaRose mentioned similar instances of convention scheduling occurring before the Ohio deadline, and in those cases, the legislature passed a temporary extension for the presidential candidates. LaRose stated that he is duty-bound to follow Ohio election law, despite the possibility of the Democratic candidates for U.S. president and vice president not being on the statewide ballot.
Ohio’s top election official slams Democrats for trying to change election rules to suit Biden https://t.co/wmfpjGqqyo via @dcexaminer
— Vicki Magadonian #MAGA (@NoWarningShot_) May 28, 2024
Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) echoed LaRose’s concerns and called a special legislative session to address the situation. He emphasized the urgency of getting President Biden on the ballot, labeling the situation as absurd and unacceptable. DeWine stressed the need to fix the issue to ensure that the president can be on the ballot, similar to the party’s nominee.
The situation in Ohio reflects a larger issue, as a similar problem occurred in Alabama, which also has an early deadline for confirming candidates. The Republican-controlled Alabama House unanimously voted to ensure Biden would be on the ballot, highlighting the need to address the issue and allow the president to appear on the ballot.
LaRose and DeWine are working to address the challenges posed by the Democratic National Convention’s timing and its potential impact on Ohio’s ballot. They underscore the significance of upholding election laws and ensuring that voters have a choice in the race for president, while holding the Democrats responsible for the scheduling conflict and its potential consequences.
