The upcoming presidential election in the United States has already started to generate some controversy, with concerns arising about President Joe Biden’s name potentially being left off the ballot in Alabama and Ohio.
These concerns stem from the certification deadlines set by the respective states, which fall just before the Democratic Party’s convention.
Wes Allen, the Republican secretary of state of Alabama, notified the Alabama Democratic Party on Tuesday that the national nominating convention would take place a few days following the state’s deadline of August 15th, by which the parties must submit their nominees for president and vice president for the ballot.
Read: NYT Piece On Manhattan DA Bragg Inadvertently Reveals Weakness In Trump’s Criminal Case
“It has recently come to my attention that the Democratic National Convention is currently scheduled to convene on August 19, 2024, which is after the State of Alabama’s statutory deadline for political parties to provide a certificate of nomination for President and Vice President,” Allen wrote. “If this Office has not received a valid certificate of nomination from the Democratic Party following its convention by the statutory deadline, I will be unable to certify the names of the Democratic Party’s candidates for President and Vice President for ballot preparation for the 2024 general election.”
“If those certificates are not in my office on time, there will be no certification and no appearance on the Alabama general election ballot in accordance with sections 17-13-22 and 17-14-31(a) of the Code of Alabama,” Allen wrote Tuesday. “With this letter, we are providing ample notification to the leadership of the Democratic Party at the state and national level that the burden of providing those certifications by the statutorily set deadline is a requirement that they must meet.”
Potential Impact on the Election
The exclusion of President Biden’s name from the ballot in Alabama and Ohio could have significant implications for the 2024 general election.
These two states play a crucial role in the electoral landscape, and any hindrance to Biden’s candidacy could impact his chances of securing the necessary electoral votes to win the presidency.
Moreover, the absence of Biden’s name on the ballot could confuse Democratic voters.
Efforts to Address the Issue
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, both state and national Democratic officials are actively working to address the concerns surrounding President Biden’s potential exclusion from the ballot.
In Alabama, Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley has reached out to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to explore possible solutions.
One option being considered is the submission of a provisional certification by the party to ensure Biden’s inclusion on the ballot.
Read: Judge Aileen Cannon Vs. Jack Smith: The Battle Over Trump’s Classified Docs Case In Florida
Provisional Certification
Provisional certification could serve as a temporary measure to guarantee that President Biden’s name appears on the ballot in Alabama and Ohio.
This process would allow state officials to grant provisional access to the ballot for Democratic nominees even if the certification deadline is not met. Several states have employed this approach in previous elections, providing provisional certification for both Democratic and Republican nominees.
It is worth noting that the certification deadline for Alabama was changed in 2020 to accommodate the dates of the Republican National Convention.
This adjustment, made by the Republican-controlled Alabama Legislature, demonstrates the flexibility of certification deadlines when necessary. However, it is crucial for all parties involved to adhere to the established deadlines to ensure a fair and accurate electoral process.
Read: Arizona Senate Candidate Kari Lake Slams State Supreme Court For Near-Total Abortion Ban
The Biden campaign remains confident that President Biden’s name will ultimately appear on the ballot in all 50 states.
In a statement addressing the concerns raised in Alabama and Ohio, the campaign emphasized that state officials have the authority to grant provisional ballot access certification.
They cited examples from the 2020 election, where states like Alabama, Illinois, Montana, and Washington allowed provisional certification for both Democratic and Republican nominees.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.