In 2020, Republicans and Democrats presented provisional certifications for Trump and Biden in Montana, Oklahoma, and Washington. Washington accepted a provisional certification for Biden to satisfy its pre-convention requirement on Thursday. Oklahoma's deadline falls before the convention this year, but a spokeswoman noted its statute allows provisional certifications.
In 2012 and 2020, Ohio lawmakers had to extend its certification period from 60 to 90 days before the general election to please both parties. All changes were temporary. Two Democratic members in Alabama's Republican-controlled Legislature proposed legislation Thursday to delay the state's certification deadline, and the party may have to lead in Ohio's GOP-led Statehouse.
Republican Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman told reporters this week he will not propose a legislative solution. He left it to minority Democrats, who have only seven of 33 chamber members. Democratic problem, I guess.
Huffman said a Democratic solution is needed. No one has recommended that to me.” That might leave Biden's destiny in Ohio to LaRose, whom Democrats slammed all spring during a contentious Senate primary.
Democrats are considering all alternatives. They may sue or summon a convention early to ratify Biden's certification if provisional certification and legislation fail. A Biden campaign lawyer claimed removing the president from ballots would violate voters' constitutional rights since he is the probable nominee.
In his Alabama letter, Barry Ragsdale, a counsel for the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Convention, stated, “President Biden and Vice President (Kamala) Harris will be the Democratic Party’s candidates for the 2024 presidential election “They have enough pledged delegates from the state primary. This is clear.”
Some Republicans in both states want to help Biden get on the ballot. Republican Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed stated, “My attitude would be trying to be accommodating, if we can, in regards to a topic that’s important for everyone across the board,”
Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio disagrees that anything is “malicious” in his state and expects Biden to be accommodated. As in 2016 and 2020, Vance expects Ohioans to support Trump, according to The Boston Globe.
stay turned for development