Twenty-three Ohio Senate Republicans, alongside Democrats, came together in a special legislative session on Friday to successfully pass a bill that extends the state’s ballot certification deadline. This extension ensures that President Joe Biden meets the eligibility requirements for November’s general ballot.
Despite the original scheduling issue, the bill was passed, even after the Democratic National Committee attempted to evade the matter earlier this week.
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The bill prohibiting foreign contributions to ballot issue campaigns was approved by the state Senate, with no support from Democrats.
Both bills passed the state House on Thursday and are now set to be signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine. Taking action on these matters, the Republican governor had convened a special session of the legislature this week.
Ohio’s ballot certification deadline will be moved to August 23, following the Democratic Party’s nominating convention, which begins on August 19, after DeWine signs the bill.
The DNC recently made a decision to virtually nominate the president in advance of its in-person convention to address the issue of the Ohio deadline extension. However, with the recent passage of the Biden ballot fix in the state, the DNC’s original plan is no longer necessary. Despite this, the DNC has confirmed its intention to proceed with the virtual roll call nomination of Biden before the original deadline of August 7th in Ohio.
The DNC spokesperson stated that despite the “shenanigans” of Ohio Republicans pushing through a separate bill during the special legislative session to prohibit foreign contributions to ballot issue campaigns, the DNC has already taken action. Democrats argue that this bill is a direct response to last year’s ballot measure that added abortion protections to the state’s constitution.
“We are determined to ensure that Joe Biden’s name appears on the ballot in all 50 states, and we are actively working towards that goal, despite the attempts by Ohio Republicans to cause trouble,” stated Hannah Muldavin, Senior Spokesperson for the DNC.
Several Republicans opposed the passage of the Biden ballot fix bill, while some expressed their support for it, despite former President Donald Trump’s recent historic conviction on Thursday.
Republican Senator Kristina Roegner expressed her concerns about the bill, stating, “This bill does give me heartburn.” She also criticized the Democrats for allegedly suppressing votes through the justice system and their questionable tactics. Senator Roegner further highlighted the importance of following existing laws and suggested that if the Democratic National Committee cannot adhere to Ohio’s laws, they should not have their candidate on the ballot.
Roegner emphasized the importance of not retaliating with similar actions, stating, “But it’s crucial to remember that two wrongs don’t make a right. We will not lower ourselves to their level.”
Republicans were praised by Democrats for granting permission for Biden to appear on Ohio’s ballot.
“We currently live in a deeply divided nation, and I believe that the steps we are taking with House Bill Two serve as a prime illustration of how we can collaborate. As Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio rightly pointed out, it is commendable to engage in a fair battle and face the challenges head-on. I wholeheartedly agree with her sentiments.”
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who first brought attention to the Biden ballot access discrepancy in April, expressed his approval of the General Assembly’s approval of the foreign money bill after both bills were passed.
Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, expressed the importance of ensuring the integrity of elections in Ohio. He emphasized that despite attempts to create confusion through misinformation and deceptive tactics, the issue is straightforward. LaRose firmly believes that foreign nationals should not have the ability to meddle in the electoral process. In a statement, he stated, “Ohioans deserve confidence in the integrity of our elections.”
The passage of this legislation today represents a bold move to prohibit foreign nationals from contributing funds to Ohio elections, solidifying Ohio’s reputation as a frontrunner in ensuring the integrity of our electoral process. I commend the General Assembly for their swift action in addressing this campaign finance loophole, and I urge every state, along with Congress, to follow suit and enact similar measures.
