Ohio Republican Officials Scramble To Bend Rules For Biden

Ohio’s Democrats are under fire for failing to adhere to state election laws, leading to a scramble by Republican officials to ensure President Joe Biden’s presence on the state’s ballot. In a move criticized as bending the rules for political convenience, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) has called for a special legislative session to address the issue.

The controversy stems from the Democratic Party’s failure to meet Ohio’s deadline for certifying presidential candidates for the ballot. Despite being warned by GOP Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office about the impending deadline conflict with the Democratic National Convention, the party failed to take action.

I’ve said from here to Colorado that it’s in the best interest of voters to have a choice in the race for president. I’m also duty-bound to follow the law as Ohio’s chief elections officer.

As it stands today, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee will not be on the Ohio… pic.twitter.com/Y5AkZBoow2

— Frank LaRose (@FrankLaRose) May 21, 2024

With the Democratic National Convention scheduled after Ohio’s ballot certification deadline, concerns arose about Biden’s eligibility for the state’s ballot. LaRose’s office proposed solutions, including moving up the convention dates or seeking legislative exceptions, but the Democrats failed to act, prompting DeWine’s intervention.

DeWine announced plans for a special session to rectify the situation, emphasizing the importance of upholding election integrity and providing voters with a choice between major party candidates. The move has sparked controversy, with critics accusing Democrats of flouting the law and Republicans of accommodating their negligence.

LaRose issued a statement on X about the Democrats’ failure to follow procedure, writing: “I’ve said for months now that this problem created by the Democratic Party can be fixed through legislative action, as the General Assembly has done twice before. I’m glad the governor agrees, and I applaud his decisive leadership in calling a special session to resolve this issue for the voters of our state.”

I’ve said for months now that this problem created by the Democratic Party can be fixed through legislative action, as the General Assembly has done twice before. I’m glad the governor agrees, and I applaud his decisive leadership in calling a special session to resolve this…

— Frank LaRose (@FrankLaRose) May 23, 2024

While DeWine and LaRose have expressed determination to resolve the issue, questions linger about the fairness and impartiality of the process. Some argue that bending the rules for political expediency undermines the integrity of Ohio’s electoral system and sets a dangerous precedent for future elections.

The situation mirrors similar challenges faced in other states, such as Alabama, where Republican officials swiftly addressed ballot certification issues to ensure Biden’s presence on the ballot. Critics view these actions as partisan maneuvers aimed at securing electoral advantages for incumbents and major party candidates.

As Ohio prepares for the upcoming election, the controversy surrounding Biden’s ballot eligibility serves as a stark reminder of the political divisions and power struggles shaping the nation’s electoral landscape.