LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – With the Democratic nominee up in the air after President Joe Biden’s abrupt withdraw from his reelection campaign on Sunday, many are wondering what that means for Michigan and its Democratic votes.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson released a statement in hopes of clarifying the legal process for placing candidates for President and Vice President on the ballot in Michigan.
“As Michigan’s chief election officer and chief legal officer, we are committed to ensuring the security, transparency, and integrity of Michigan’s elections. That includes assuring voters that their respective party’s nominee for President will be on the ballot in November in accordance with Michigan law.
Presidential candidates are certified to appear on Michigan’s general election ballot as a result of the outcome of their respective party’s nominating conventions. Under Michigan Election Law, the name of a party’s presidential and vice presidential nominees must be delivered to the Department of State from the political parties within one business day of the conclusion of the party’s convention. Beyond these requirements, the rules and regulations for nominating presidential candidates are governed entirely by the state and national parties.
As planned and in accordance with state law, the Secretary of State will issue the formal call of the election by September 6, 2024 – 60 days before Election Day. Following that call, ballots will be printed and delivered on time to military and overseas civilians 45 days before the election as required by federal law.”
Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum posted on July 10 on X that those “calling for a change of candidacy in the Presidential Race” should keep in mind that “the election administration community is going to have some serious issues with that.” She went on to say, “It is worth pointing out that even if Democrats follow the strictures of the law state-by-state, you would almost assuredly see lawsuits flying fast and often in any number of states, if they attempt to make a change.”
She finished by saying Democrats need to “understand the ramifications of their actions.”
Eleven days later, Byrum did an about-face regarding these posts on July 21.
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I have no doubt that the Democratic Party will complete the process of certifying the Presidential nominee and selecting a Vice Presidential nominee in a timely fashion and comply with all applicable state laws.
— BarbByrum (@BarbByrum) July 21, 2024
Michigan’s primary election is August 6 while the Democratic National Convention is later that month in Chicago.
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