Democratic Party to Select Biden Through Virtual Roll Call to Prevent Protests and Ohio Ballot Exclusion
President Joe Biden is set to become the Democratic presidential nominee through a virtual roll call ahead of the official convention in Chicago in August. This maneuver will ensure Biden’s appearance on the November ballot in Ohio and minimize disruptions from protesters.
The Democratic National Convention, where Biden would typically be formally nominated, falls after Ohio’s ballot deadline of Aug. 7. The convention is scheduled for Aug. 19-22.
Ohio lawmakers have altered the deadline in the past for candidates of both parties, but they had not done so for Biden this year. Governor Mike DeWine called a special session to address this issue.
The virtual proceedings will allow Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to receive the party’s formal nomination, similar to the process used in the 2020 virtual convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This decision also decreases the likelihood of an unplanned moment during the highly produced Chicago convention that could potentially embarrass Biden on live TV.
The date for the virtual roll call has not been announced by the Democratic National Committee, but it is expected after the June 4 vote by the committee’s rules and bylaws committee to propose changes to the process.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison stated, “Joe Biden will be on the ballot in Ohio and all 50 states. Through a virtual roll call, we will ensure that Ohioans can vote for the presidential candidate of their choice without interference.”
Ohio lawmakers were in a special session on Tuesday to address the ballot deadline issue.
Negotiations between the House and Senate on a solution to Biden’s ballot challenge began last week, led by Republicans Bill Seitz and Rob McColley, with no resolution as of Tuesday.
Since Ohio adjusted its certification deadline, lawmakers have had to make temporary changes in the past to accommodate candidates from both parties.
DeWine urged legislators to pass a combined measure during the special session, but Democrats have objected to additional requirements in the proposal.
The upcoming proceedings in the Ohio legislature will determine the resolution of Biden’s ballot conundrum.
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