With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) just a month away, Democrats must decide whether to keep President Joe Biden as the party's nominee or find a replacement. The decision hinges on concerns about Biden's age and veracity, as well as the potential for ballot confusion if a new candidate is chosen after some states have begun printing ballots.
As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) approaches in August, Democrats are grappling with a critical decision: whether to retain President Joe Biden as the party's presidential nominee or replace him with a new candidate. The clock is ticking for the party to make a choice, as some states have deadlines for certifying the names of candidates to appear on ballots.
The decision rests upon concerns over Biden's age and veracity, which have been raised by some Democrats. Additionally, the party is wary of potential voter confusion if a new nominee were to be chosen after ballots began printing.
Democrats Face Deadline: Replace Biden or Risk Ballot Confusion
Each state has specific time frames and processes for certifying presidential and vice presidential candidates' names on the ballot. In some states, the certification deadline is as early as September. This poses a challenge for the Democratic Party, as it may need to make a decision on Biden's candidacy before this date to avoid ballot confusion.
According to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), 10 states dispatch ballots to voters more than 45 days before the election. These states are Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Democrats Face Deadline: Replace Biden or Risk Ballot Confusion
Another 11 states mail ballots 45 days prior to the scheduled election day. These states include Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.
14 states send out ballots 30 to 45 days before the election. These states are Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Vermont.
Democrats Face Deadline: Replace Biden or Risk Ballot Confusion
The remaining 15 states give voters the least amount of time, allowing them only 30 days before the election to receive their ballots. These states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
The Democrats' decision on Biden's candidacy is further complicated by the need to certify candidates to each state's Secretary of State or director of election. In the event that a new nominee is chosen after a state has begun printing ballots, difficulties may arise.
Democrats Face Deadline: Replace Biden or Risk Ballot Confusion
The national party would be responsible for selecting a replacement candidate if Biden were unable to continue in the race after being designated as the nominee. However, this decision-making process could be further confounded if some states have already printed ballots with Biden's name on them.
The Democratic Party is likely to make a decision on Biden's nomination before early September, the start of the certification process in some states, to avoid potential ballot confusion. The party must balance concerns about Biden's suitability as a candidate with the need to adhere to state deadlines and ensure a smooth election process.
