Alabama officials have recently passed legislation to ensure that President Joe Biden will be included on the state's November ballot. This decision comes after concerns were raised by the Republican secretary of state regarding the timing of the Democratic nomination process.
Republican Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill into law that extends Alabama's certification deadline from 82 days before the election to 74 days. This adjustment allows Democrats the necessary time to officially nominate Biden at their national convention later this summer.
Both the state House and Senate, where Republicans hold strong majorities, supported the bill, effectively resolving a potential legal dispute between Democrats and state authorities.
A spokesperson for the Biden campaign acknowledged the bipartisan efforts of states across the country to ensure the inclusion of presidential nominees from all parties on the ballot.
Alabama's secretary of state had previously cautioned Democrats about the deadline conflict, prompting the need for legislative action. While some states have accepted provisional certifications in the past, Alabama's current secretary of state has maintained that such measures are not permitted by state law.
Meanwhile, in Ohio, where a similar deadline issue exists, state officials have indicated that provisional certifications will not be accepted. The state's Republican leadership has expressed confidence that Biden will ultimately be included on the ballot, either through legislative adjustments or potential court intervention.
Ohio's Republican State Senate president cited a recent Supreme Court decision that upheld the inclusion of a candidate on a primary ballot, suggesting that federal courts would likely intervene to ensure Biden's presence on the Ohio ballot.
