Attempt to Maintain Biden’s Position on Ohio Ballot Falters Before Deadline

A partisan battle in Ohio has thrown a wrench into efforts by state lawmakers to ensure that President Biden is on the ballot in the state this November, setting the stage for a potential costly and drawn-out legal battle leading up to the election.

Ohio, along with two other states, had raised concerns to the Democratic Party that Biden could be left off the ballot due to the timing of the Democratic National Convention in relation to certification deadlines for presidential nominees. While this issue is typically resolved quickly and without much fuss, Ohio has hit a roadblock in finding a solution.

Despite efforts in Alabama and Washington State to accommodate the late convention date and certify Biden’s nomination, Ohio’s Republican-dominated General Assembly failed to pass legislation before the deadline set by the Republican secretary of state, Frank LaRose. The Senate advanced a bill with a controversial rider banning foreign money in state ballot initiatives, causing division with Senate Democrats and stalling progress.

The House speaker, Jason Stephens, did not take up the measure before the legislature adjourned, leaving the issue unresolved. The Biden campaign remains confident that Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states, but the partisan fight in Ohio over foreign donations and ballot access could lead to a prolonged legal battle.

With Republicans insisting on the foreign donation ban as a condition for ensuring Biden’s placement on the ballot, the stage is set for a potential showdown that could echo the legal wrangling seen in past election disputes. The Biden campaign may be forced to take legal action to secure his spot on the Ohio ballot, mirroring the challenges faced by the Trump campaign in previous elections. Ohio’s status as a solidly Republican state adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama, promising a contentious and uncertain path to Election Day.