The Ohio General Assembly adjourned on Wednesday without addressing a critical issue that could potentially prevent President Biden from being placed on the ballot in the state, sparking a partisan clash that may have significant implications for the upcoming November election.
Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose has stated his intention to exclude Mr. Biden from the ballot due to a procedural deadline for certifying presidential nominees. While this issue is typically resolved swiftly in other states, Ohio’s failure to address it has raised concerns about the president’s inclusion on the ballot.
The Biden campaign is reportedly considering legal action against the state to ensure the president’s presence on the ballot, as well as exploring alternative solutions to the problem. However, a potential legal battle could be costly and time-consuming, mirroring the lengthy process that resolved a similar issue involving former President Trump’s eligibility to run for another term.
Despite Ohio not being a swing state, the Biden campaign may find itself embroiled in a protracted legal battle to secure the president’s spot on the ballot in all 50 states. Efforts to pass a legislative fix in Ohio have stalled, with Republicans attaching partisan measures that further complicate the situation.
Ohio Democrats have condemned the lack of progress on this issue, accusing Republican lawmakers of attempting to disenfranchise voters by potentially excluding Mr. Biden from the ballot. The situation remains unresolved, leaving the fate of President Biden’s candidacy in Ohio uncertain as the election draws closer.