Ohio lawmakers’ attempt to address the Biden ballot issue falls short

Ohio lawmakers have taken collaborative action to rectify a previously overlooked law that could have barred President Joe Biden from appearing on the November ballot. However, a critical issue has emerged: the lawmakers inadvertently set a tight deadline for themselves to enact the solution.

The Ohio electoral process mandates that parties confirm their presidential nominees 90 days before the November election, which falls on August 7. However, Biden’s official nomination at the Democratic National Convention is slated for August 19.

Surprisingly, key legislators, including House Minority Leader Allison Russo and Democrats, were unaware of this discrepancy until recently. Sec. of State Frank LaRose only reminded Democrats of the issue in April, necessitating swift action.

Given the fractured nature of the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly, characterized by internal discord resulting in historically low bill passage rates, bipartisan cooperation became imperative. House Republicans collaborated with Democrats to address the ballot challenge, notably by amending Senate Bill 92, originally intended for August special elections, to include the nomination deadline adjustment.

The revised S.B. 92 reduces the nomination deadline from 90 to 74 days before the election, enhancing ballot access and democratic integrity. Although the bill’s journey to enactment appears promising, uncertainties remain regarding the Senate Republicans’ involvement.

Despite potential legislative hurdles, House leaders express optimism that Governor Mike DeWine will sign the bill promptly after it clears the Senate. However, a critical mathematical oversight complicates matters: the 90-day waiting period for bill enactment extends beyond the revised nomination deadline, potentially violating state law.

Addressing this challenge demands urgency and creativity. Two solutions emerge: passing the bill with an emergency clause for immediate effect or securing Governor DeWine’s signature by Thursday, the self-imposed deadline. While lawmakers and legal experts debate the legality and consequences of the oversight, both Democrats and Republicans remain confident in their ability to resolve the issue swiftly.

In conclusion, while Ohio lawmakers strive to rectify the ballot challenge, the inadvertent imposition of a tight deadline underscores the complexity of legislative processes. However, with bipartisan cooperation and innovative solutions, they remain committed to ensuring President Biden’s rightful place on the November ballot.