Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called a special session of the General Assembly to address an issue raised by the state’s top elections official, Secretary of State Frank LaRose. LaRose had indicated that President Biden might be excluded from the November ballot in Ohio due to a procedural deadline issue. This is a significant concern, as it could impact the ability of voters to choose between major presidential candidates.
Efforts to resolve the issue through legislative means were stalled when a proposed bill encountered opposition over a partisan measure related to foreign donations. As a result, the General Assembly adjourned without a solution in place. Governor DeWine expressed disappointment in the legislature’s inaction and announced a special session to address the matter.
The special session, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, aims to pass legislation ensuring President Biden’s inclusion on the ballot. Additionally, there is a proposal to prohibit campaign spending by foreign nationals. Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of providing Ohio voters with the opportunity to choose between major-party candidates for the presidential office.
Secretary of State LaRose, who had advocated for a legislative solution, praised Governor DeWine’s decision to convene a special session. He highlighted the governor’s leadership in addressing the issue for the benefit of Ohio voters.
While other states faced similar procedural challenges regarding President Biden’s nomination, they were able to swiftly resolve the issue. In contrast, Ohio’s legislative fix had encountered obstacles, leading to concerns about potential exclusion of Democratic Party nominees from the ballot. Governor DeWine’s proactive approach to convene a special session reflects a commitment to ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process in the state.
