Article Summary –
In Alabama and Ohio, Republican secretaries of state have warned Democrats that President Biden may not appear on their November ballots due to his expected nomination at the Democratic National Convention falling after ballot certification deadlines. The Biden campaign suggests “provisional” certification as a solution, but this idea has been rejected by Alabama’s Secretary of State, Wes Allen. There may be legislative remedies, with a Democratic senator in Alabama introducing a bill to move the state’s deadline back to August 23.
Democratic Officials Explore Options Over Ballot Concerns for President Biden
Following warnings from Republican secretaries in Ohio and Alabama, Democratic officials are assessing their options. The secretaries stated that due to the timing of his expected nomination at the Democratic National Convention, President Biden might not appear on their November ballots. The Biden campaign stays confident about appearing on both state’s ballots, but this situation has stirred distrust and headaches within the Democrats.
Accusations of Partisan Gamesmanship in Alabama
Alabama Democratic Party chair, Randy Kelley, accused the GOP secretary of state, Wes Allen, of “partisan gamesmanship”, citing accommodations for Republicans in past conventions. Allen responded by emphasizing his commitment to Alabama law over the politics of the Democratic party.
A Possible Solution for the Biden Campaign
The Biden campaign has proposed a “provisional” certification, notifying states of Biden’s anticipated nomination before the convention. Democratic state senator in Alabama, Merika Coleman, introduced a bill to move the state’s deadline back to Aug. 23. Coleman is hopeful about the bill, otherwise warning Republicans of a large-scale write-in campaign.
Biden’s Ballot-Access Issues in Ohio
Concerns arose when the Ohio secretary of state’s office notified the state’s Democratic Party chair that the convention, beginning Aug. 19, falls after the deadline to certify Biden for the ballot. Alabama’s secretary of state, Allen, also notified the Democrats of their deadline issue.
Reassurance from the Biden Campaign
Biden campaign spokesperson Josh Marcus-Blank assured that Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states, citing the possibility of provisional ballot access certification. Meanwhile, Allen objected to this concept, whereas the Ohio Secretary of State’s lawyers are investigating these claims.
Democrats Explore Provisional and Legislative Solutions
Democrats are considering two potential solutions: the “provisional” method or another legislative fix. However, the feasibility of these solutions depends on the GOP-controlled legislatures in both states and their bill-passage deadlines. Ohio Secretary of State, LaRose, mentioned that state lawmakers would need to act by May 9. Adjusting the convention schedule is an unlikely alternative.
Implications for Democrats
The absence of a presidential nominee might impact Democratic turnout, especially for closely-watched races like the Ohio Senate. Parties involved are actively exploring potential solutions.
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