As Reporting by CNN, President Joe Biden will be officially nominated as the Democratic presidential nominee through a virtual roll call before the party’s convention in Chicago in August. This move ensures Biden appears on the November ballot in Ohio.
The Democratic National Convention, where Biden would typically be nominated, is set for August 19-22, after Ohio’s ballot deadline of August 7. To address this timing issue, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called a special legislative session, as lawmakers have adjusted deadlines for both parties’ candidates in the past.
The virtual roll call will mimic the 2020 process, which was also conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Democratic National Committee official confirmed that while the in-person state-by-state roll call will still occur in Chicago, it will be largely ceremonial.
The DNC has not yet announced the date for the virtual roll call but indicated it would happen following a June 4 vote by the committee’s rules and bylaws committee to propose changes to the process.
“Joe Biden will be on the ballot in Ohio and all 50 states,” said Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison. “Through a virtual roll call, we will ensure that Republicans can’t undermine our democracy, and Ohioans can vote for their chosen presidential candidate.”
Ohio lawmakers are currently in a special session to address Biden’s ballot issue. Negotiations started Friday between the House and Senate, led by Republican State Rep. Bill Seitz and State Sen. Rob McColley. No resolution had been announced by Tuesday. told by NBC News
Ohio previously adjusted its certification deadline from 60 to 90 days before the general election, making temporary changes in 2012 and 2020 to accommodate both major parties’ candidates. The state’s ballot initiative process, including measures on contentious issues like abortion, complicates reaching a solution.
The Senate sent a version of the ballot fix to the House, including a ban on foreign nationals donating to Ohio ballot campaigns. Governor DeWine urged legislators to pass this combined measure, but Democrats opposed additional requirements they argue complicate future ballot campaigns.
Ohio voters recently approved measures including a constitutional amendment protecting abortion access and an adult-use marijuana statute, both opposed by Republicans.
A simpler House bill addressing only the ballot deadline adjustment may also be considered. The Ohio Senate scheduled a single day of activity for Tuesday, while the House plans two days of committee hearings before a Thursday vote. A Senate spokesperson indicated the chamber might recess Tuesday to wait for the House.
