Wisconsin Election Law has only one way to Exit From Ballot: Death
July 16, 2024

Lake Country Tribune

By Therese Boudreaux | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Should President Joe Biden decide to exit the presidential race, pending the timing, Wisconsin law may create another impediment to Democrats replacing him.

Death is the only allowable reason for a candidate to drop out after a name is submitted for the ballot.

According to the state’s ballot access procedures, “Any person who files nomination papers and qualifies to appear on the ballot cannot withdraw their name from the ballot after filing. The name of that person shall appear upon the ballot except in case of death of the person.”

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has set a Sept. 3 date for parties to submit candidates’ names that will appear on the ballot. After that, there’s little way to change candidates.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has identified states, such as Wisconsin, where Democrats could face legal challenges if they try to replace Biden.

“We are monitoring the calls from across the country for President Biden to step aside, either now or before the election, and have concluded that the process for substitution and withdrawal is very complicated,” Heritage Foundation Oversight Project Executive Director Mike Howell said in a statement. 

Even without this provision in Wisconsin’s election law, removing Biden from the ballot would prove difficult to accomplish. 

Prior to the national convention where delegates formally vote on candidate nominations, states conduct presidential preference primaries. Biden won in Wisconsin by a large margin.

While it’s possible that delegates could select a nominee other than Biden at the Democratic convention, this would violate the rules that delegates “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.” 

In Madison last week Biden said, “I’m the nominee of the Democratic Party. I’m the nominee of this party because millions of Democrats like you just voted for me in primaries all across America. Well, let me say this as clearly as I can: I’m staying in the race.”

U.S. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that is still Biden’s plan during a press briefing Tuesday.

Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.

NEXT: ‘As Scheduled’: Trump Says Convention Will Continue Despite Shooting

View More Sports Articles

Everything to Know About Super Bowl LIX

Everything to Know About Super Bowl LIX

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off for Super Bowl LIX. The game is set to be held on Sunday, February 9th at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. It is scheduled to air at 5:30 p.m. CT on Fox. This previous Sunday, the teams slated...

Admirals to Honor Bob Uecker

Admirals to Honor Bob Uecker

The Milwaukee Admirals have announced their plans to honor the legacy of Wisconsin legend, Bob Uecker. Admirals President Jon Greenberg expressed his sadness over losing Uecker on behalf of the organization. In a statement, Greenberg said that the Admirals efforts to...

Lake Country DockHounds to Host Chili Cook Off

Lake Country DockHounds to Host Chili Cook Off

Amidst the frigid weather in Wisconsin this week, the Lake Country DockHounds have announced a chili and soup cook off on Saturday, March 15. The ticketed event will allow guests to sample various warm soups and chilis, then cast their vote for their favorite. The...

NFL Star Zack Baun Purchases Home in Brookfield

NFL Star Zack Baun Purchases Home in Brookfield

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun and his wife, Ali, have purchased a stunning 5,500-square-foot home in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for approximately $1 million. The luxurious four-bedroom property, previously owned by Susan G. Lewis, marks a significant purchase...