Back in 2020, election laws helped Democrats. Now the script has been flipped.
Because this major swing state slapped Democrats with a cataclysmic election surprise.
The Democratic Party is staring down a mountain of challenges if they decide to replace President Biden on the Michigan ballot, according to a Democrat county clerk.
Michigan, a crucial battleground, has been pivotal for the presidential victor in every election since 2008.
Barb Byrum, a former state legislator and current Ingham County Clerk, raised alarms on Twitter.
“To all calling for a change in the Presidential Race, the election administration community is going to have some serious issues with that,” she warned.
Byrum, deeply connected within the Michigan Democratic Party, emphasized that the legal deadline for candidate placement on the ballot is looming — less than a month and a half away.
“Our statute requires that a major party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates be certified to the State within one business day of that party’s national or state convention, whichever is later,” she explained.
To be clear, Michigan wouldn’t even be the worst of the problems. Our statute requires that a major party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates be certified to the State within one business day of that party’s national or state convention, whichever is later.
— BarbByrum (@BarbByrum) July 10, 2024
“The Democrats are holding their National Convention from August 19-22 and their Michigan State Convention on August 24th. The deadline is therefore August 26th.”
This tight timeline means Democrats would need to act quickly if they wish to replace Biden.
Adding to the urgency, Byrum noted, “Ballots to Military and Overseas voters must go out by September 21st, 2024 and [absentee voter] Ballots must be available to Michigan Voters by September 26th, 2024 by law.”
Byrum also pointed out an even more pressing concern: other states might have even earlier deadlines.
“My cursory understanding of other states is that that deadline may already have passed for some states, or may be in the VERY near future.”
Even if Democrats manage to navigate these tight deadlines, Byrum predicted a storm of legal battles.
“You would almost assuredly see lawsuits flying fast and often in any number of states if they attempt to make a change,” she said.
Such legal disputes, along with the need to test election equipment, could delay local clerks’ ability to meet statutory deadlines, she added.
Replacing Biden as the nominee across enough states to secure a victory would be a herculean task for the Democratic Party.
Amidst growing concerns, high-profile Democrats like Nancy Pelosi have hinted at openness to Biden stepping aside. But if they want a new nominee, Democrats will need to hustle like never before.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
