Ohio passes bill to ensure Biden will appear on state's general election ballot

CLEVELAND — Ohio’s Republican-controlled state legislature has approved a bill to secure President Joe Biden’s spot on the state’s November ballot, ending weeks of political gamesmanship over a deadline that in past years was relaxed without drama.

The measure, which passed Friday in a special session of the state Senate, now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican. DeWine, who called the special session to resolve the Biden issue and tackle unrelated campaign finance legislation, is expected to sign the bill.

“I don’t think anybody on this side of the aisle really feels like they’re going to be voting for President Biden, but at the same time, Ohioans deserve a choice in this election, and that’s what we’re seeking to give them today,” state Sen. Rob McColley, a Republican, said Friday in supporting the measure.

It was not immediately clear if the bill’s approval will halt a push to nominate Biden by a virtual roll call vote well ahead of a late August convention. The Democratic National Committee announced that plan earlier this week, hoping to sidestep what had become an unpredictable partisan fight and ensure Biden is certified as the nominee before Ohio’s Aug. 7 deadline.

“I’m going to vote for this, because just maybe we won't have to have the Zoom,” Democratic state Sen. Bill DeMora, referring to the virtual meeting app, said during Friday's session. “But I think we probably still will.”

The DNC has scheduled a Tuesday meeting for its rules and bylaws committee to advance on a resolution that would enable the virtual roll call. A full DNC vote would follow.

In the past, both parties have had to reconcile late summer nominating conventions with earlier state deadlines to certify candidates for the general election