This is unusual.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) intends to nominate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris through virtual proceedings before Ohio’s August 7 deadline, which precedes the in-person convention set for August 19 in Chicago. This approach is required because Ohio mandates that parties certify their presidential candidates at least 90 days before Election Day. The DNC’s convention, scheduled only 75 days before the election, does not meet this requirement.
In response, Ohio Senate lawmakers, under the guidance of Republican Governor Mike DeWine, are deliberating on Biden’s eligibility to be on the state’s ballot. Ohio Republicans have resisted extending the certification deadline for Biden unless unrelated campaign finance legislation is included, which Democrats oppose. This political standoff has led the DNC to opt for a virtual roll call to ensure Biden and Harris can appear on ballots nationwide, including in Ohio.
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison condemned Ohio Republicans for their inaction, asserting that Democrats will independently handle the nomination process to thwart any efforts to compromise democratic principles. Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters similarly accused state Republicans of political gamesmanship, emphasizing the need to safeguard voters’ rights to choose their presidential candidate.
The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee is scheduled to vote on June 4 on a resolution permitting virtual party proceedings, which will subsequently be voted on by the full DNC membership. This measure aims to meet Ohio’s certification requirements while preserving the integrity of the nomination process.
Law professor Justin Levitt commented on the situation, emphasizing the improbability and partisan nature of excluding a major party candidate from the ballot without a valid reason. He highlighted the broader implications of such political maneuvers, underscoring the complexities of election laws and the lengths parties will go to ensure their candidates comply with state-specific regulations.
