Ohio Governor Ensures Joe Biden Is on Ballot, Calls Special Session

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a special session of the General Assembly next Tuesday to ensure President Joe Biden appears on the state's 2024 ballot.

DeWine emphasized the urgency, citing a looming deadline and calling the situation absurd.

The issue stems from a partisan legislative conflict over foreign money in state ballot campaigns, AP News reports.

This debate gained traction after a Swiss billionaire's funds supported an effort to enshrine abortion rights in Ohio's constitution.

The Democratic National Convention, set for August 19-22, falls after Ohio's August 7 ballot deadline.

Ohio had previously adjusted its certification deadlines temporarily in 2012 and 2020.

Ohio governor, after discussions with Secretary of State Frank LaRose, insisted on immediate action.

He aims to pass a Senate bill banning foreign contributions to Ohio ballot measures, described as a "poison pill" in the divided Ohio House.

Senate President Matt Huffman supports a vote on House Bill 114, aligning with DeWine.

House Democratic leader Allison Russo countered, arguing that foreign donations are already illegal and that the real issue is dark money, accusing Republicans of manipulating rules to curb direct democracy.

Partisan Reactions and Legislative Proposals

State Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters criticized GOP lawmakers for politicizing the Joe Biden ballot issue and disenfranchising voters.

She urged for the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act to require dark money groups to disclose their funders and spending and strengthen bans on foreign money.

Walters called for a clean bill to ensure Biden's place on the ballot, expressing confidence in his eventual inclusion despite Republican tactics, according to BBC.

Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens emphasized that lawmakers have proposals to ban foreign influence without infringing on citizens' rights, aiming for solutions that will pass both chambers.

US Senator JD Vance of Ohio saw the special session as a reasonable compromise, stressing that a competitive presidential race is crucial for down-ballot races.

The Ohio Republican Party backed DeWine's decision. Alabama recently changed its law to ensure Biden's ballot appearance, like past accommodations for Trump.

The last special session in Ohio was in 2004 for campaign finance reform under Gov. Bob Taft.

Historical Precedents and Legislative Challenges

While Ohio has previously adjusted deadlines, House Speaker Jason Stephens opposes a legislative fix this time.

The Ohio governor criticized the situation as absurd and urged immediate action, the New York Times noted.

Similar deadline issues were resolved in other states earlier this year.

Biden's campaign remains confident of a resolution but may need legal action.

Ohio, now a more conservative state, saw Trump win in 2016 and 2020. DeWine's special session call underscores the national implications of this issue.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is urging state lawmakers to avoid a partisan clash that could bar President Biden from the state's 2024 presidential ballot.

Ohio's top election official warned that Democrats are nominating their candidate too late to meet ballot access laws, potentially forcing the Biden campaign to sue.

DeWine called a special legislative session to pass a law allowing Biden on the ballot.

Ohio requires nominees to be certified by August 7, but Biden won't be officially named until the Democratic National Convention from August 19-22.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose emphasized the deadline conflict, threatening to exclude Joe Biden without compliance.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: DeWine calls for special session to fix issue of getting Biden on Ohio ballot - From WBNS 10TV