The Democratic Party is facing challenges in getting President Joe Biden on the ballot in Alabama and Ohio. Top Republican elections officials in these states have warned that Biden would miss the deadline to be certified as the Democratic nominee due to the timing of the party’s nominating convention. Historically, when a party’s convention occurs after the state’s certification deadline, states have either pushed back the deadline or accepted provisional certifications. The Biden campaign is urging Ohio and Alabama officials to follow past precedent to ensure Biden’s presence on the ballot in all 50 states.
In response, Democrats in Alabama have introduced legislation to push back the certification deadline, while in Ohio, options like moving the convention or passing legislation are deemed unlikely. The Biden campaign is considering holding a remote convention roll call or pursuing litigation to address the situation. However, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has reiterated that state law does not allow for provisional certifications.
These developments come after attempts in Democratic-led states to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot due to his actions on January 6, 2021. The US Supreme Court ruled that Trump could not be removed from the ballot in Colorado or any other state. Overall, the Biden campaign is determined to ensure his presence on the ballot in Alabama and Ohio and is exploring various options to address the situation.
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