In light of President Biden's decision not to seek reelection, the League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) is providing this update based on information from trusted sources. This decision is in line with existing rules, ensuring a fair election process. The Democratic Party will follow its procedures to select a new nominee, with delegates voting at or before the Democratic National Convention this August. State ballot access laws permit the new nominee to appear on the November ballots, regardless of the results from the primaries.
Here is the official statement from the League of Women Voters of the U.S. (LWVUS), which clarifies:
"While a major party’s presumptive nominee withdrawing his presidential candidacy is an extraordinary occurrence, rules and procedures are in place to respond to this development. Americans can be confident that this situation falls well within existing rules and that their election system continues to allow for a free and fair election."
Here is a brief FAQ issued by the Oregon Secretary of State's office:
What happens now that President Biden has stepped aside? How will the November general election be affected?
The Democratic Party (DNC) may choose another nominee according to its own rules. No Oregon law would require Oregon’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention to vote for President Biden; ending his candidacy releases his delegates pursuant to ORS 248.315(3)(c).
Every political party has a process in their bylaws for how to fill a vacancy. The party oversees that process – so we would refer anyone to the Democratic Party of Oregon for more details on their process at the national level.
From our perspective, the National Democratic Party must finalize its nominee by August 27th in order for that person to appear on the ballot in Oregon. The DNC will be held from August 19-22.
For any upcoming press releases or other news, you can visit the Oregon SoS newsroom here.
Please feel free to reach out to LWVOR if you have any questions. Contact media@lwvor.org.
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