President Biden’s campaign may face a major setback in Ohio as the state’s top election official, Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, warned that they may miss a key deadline to get on the general election ballot. LaRose notified top Democratic officials that the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to occur well past the deadline for certifying a presidential candidate in Ohio.
In a letter obtained by ABC News, LaRose wrote to Ohio Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Walters, stating that the convention is set to convene on August 19, 2024, which is more than a week after the August 7 deadline to certify a presidential candidate. He emphasized that either the convention must be moved up or the Ohio General Assembly must create an exception to the statutory requirement.
Biden’s campaign has not yet responded to the situation in Ohio, but they expressed confidence that Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states. The Ohio Democratic Party has also remained silent on LaRose’s letter.
This news comes amidst internal turmoil within the Democratic Party over their voter registration efforts potentially aiding former President Trump. An internal memo revealed concerns that registering nonvoters could benefit Trump’s quest for power, leading to a debate within the party on whether to continue using nonprofits for voter registration.
As Democrats grapple with these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring Biden’s presence on the Ohio ballot and navigating the complexities of voter registration efforts in the lead-up to the 2024 election.