The Democrat National Committee (DNC) has announced a plan to virtually nominate Joe Biden to secure his place on the Ohio ballot for the upcoming general election, following registration failures.
Last month, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose warned Ohio Democrat Chairwoman Liz Walters that Joe Biden might face difficulties getting on the state’s ballot. In a letter, LaRose highlighted that the DNC convention is scheduled after the state’s deadline to certify a presidential candidate. He suggested that the Democratic Party either move up its convention date or that the Ohio state legislature take action by May 9.
As of last week, LaRose reported that his office had not received any communications from the Democrat Party or the DNC regarding their plans to meet Ohio’s ballot access requirements.
I’ve said from here to Colorado that it’s in the best interest of voters to have a choice in the race for president. I’m also duty-bound to follow the law as Ohio’s chief elections officer.
As it stands today, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee will not be on the Ohio… pic.twitter.com/Y5AkZBoow2
— Frank LaRose (@FrankLaRose) May 21, 2024
In response, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently called for a special legislative session to address the issue and ensure Joe Biden’s placement on the November ballot, despite the Democratic Party’s missed registration deadline.
The DNC has now announced a “workaround” to guarantee Biden’s inclusion on Ohio’s ballot. DNC Chair Jaime Harrison stated, “Joe Biden will be on the ballot in Ohio and all 50 states, and Ohio Republicans agree. But when the time has come for action, they have failed to act every time, so Democrats will land this plane on our own.” He further explained that through a virtual roll call, the DNC aims to prevent any partisan efforts to undermine their candidate’s ballot access, ensuring Ohioans can vote for the presidential candidate of their choice.
This development follows efforts by Ohio Republicans to accommodate the Democratic Party’s needs, while Democrat judges and state supreme court justices have been accused of attempting to exclude Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot.