The Democratic National Committee has decided to hold a “virtual roll call” to nominate President Joe Biden before the party’s August convention. This move is aimed at avoiding the increasing risk of Biden being left off Ohio’s general election ballot. The announcement was made as the state Legislature in Ohio convened a special session ordered by Republican Governor Mike DeWine to address the issue.
The Democratic convention, where the party typically nominates its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, is set to take place after Ohio’s August 7 deadline for candidate certification. Ohio GOP lawmakers, who hold supermajorities in both the state House and Senate, have shown reluctance to pass a bill that would extend the deadline for Biden. They have linked the passing of the bill to unrelated campaign finance legislation that Democrats consider to be a “poison pill.”
DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison expressed confidence in the party’s ability to navigate the situation independently. He stated, “Through a virtual roll call, we will ensure that Republicans can’t chip away at our democracy through incompetence or partisan tricks and that Ohioans can exercise their right to vote for the presidential candidate of their choice.”
The DNC’s rules and bylaws committee is expected to vote on a resolution on June 4 to allow for the virtual roll call. Following the committee’s decision, DNC members will vote on the resolution in the subsequent weeks. Once approved, the process for a virtual nomination can move forward. Party officials draw a parallel between this approach and the virtual convention held in 2020 during the pandemic.
In the past, Ohio’s certification deadlines have occurred before the nominating conventions of both parties, and the issues have been resolved without conflict. Governor DeWine’s call for a special session included a request for lawmakers to address the Biden ballot matter and to introduce a measure prohibiting foreign funds in state ballot issue campaigns. This measure was tied to a previous Senate bill related to Biden, but the House did not vote on it, leading to the urgent actions and special session.
Liz Walters, the Ohio Democratic Party chair, criticized Republican politicians for attempting to obstruct Ohio voters from selecting their preferred presidential candidate. She emphasized that the Democrats would not compromise Ohioans’ ability to hold their government accountable for ensuring Biden’s ballot access. Democratic leader Nickie Antonio announced a shift in strategy during a news conference. He stated that the Biden campaign would release a statement reassuring Ohio residents that Biden would appear on the ballot, indicating an alternative solution that does not involve the Ohio Legislature.
The Democratic National Committee’s decision to conduct a virtual roll call to nominate President Joe Biden showcases the party’s dedication to protecting the democratic process and ensuring voter’s rights. Despite facing challenges and political maneuvers, the DNC remains committed to securing Biden’s place on the Ohio ballot and upholding the integrity of the electoral system. The virtual nomination process serves as a strategic move to navigate the complexities of the current political landscape and maintain the party’s focus on promoting transparent and fair elections.
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