(DailyChive.com) – Ohio’s Secretary of State office has raised concerns over President Joe Biden’s potential eligibility for the November ballot, citing a scheduling conflict with the Democratic National Convention. A letter obtained by ABC News and released on Friday, April 5, revealed that the convention where Biden is set to be nominated falls on August 19, more than a week after Ohio’s deadline to certify presidential nominees.
The letter, addressed to Ohio Democratic Chair Liz Walters and other top Democrats, highlights what legal counsel Paul Disantis calls “an apparent conflict” in state law. This conflict arises due to the convention’s timing conflicting with Ohio’s certification deadline, which could jeopardize Biden’s appearance on the ballot.
Disantis urged prompt attention to the matter, indicating that either the Democratic National Committee would need to reschedule the convention or the Ohio General Assembly must enact an exception to the statutory requirement by May 9, 2024, to ensure compliance with the law.
The potential solutions pose significant challenges. The Ohio General Assembly, controlled by Republicans, would need to pass legislation to amend the deadline. Alternatively, rescheduling the convention presents logistical hurdles.
Once a battleground state, Ohio has leaned towards the right in recent years. Former President Donald Trump secured victories in Ohio in 2016 and 2020, winning by eight points each time. However, this shift in Ohio’s political setting has made the Buckeye State crucial in presidential elections.
A spokesperson for the Biden campaign offered a note of assurance about Biden’s appearance on the ballot in all 50 states while acknowledging that they are closely monitoring the situation in Ohio. Meanwhile, the Ohio Democratic Party is reviewing the matter.
Ohio’s significance in presidential elections can be fully expressed by this adage: “As Ohio goes, so goes the nation.” Traditionally seen as a bellwether state, Ohio’s political trajectory has often mirrored the broader national outcome.
Meanwhile, according to recent poll results, former president Donald Trump holds a commanding lead over Biden in Ohio, adding pressure on Democrats to swiftly navigate the ballot access issue.
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