(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some people may be wondering how Democrats could replace President Joe Biden on the ballot, if they wanted. Officials say the answer is that he's not really on the ballot yet.
Matt Dietrich, spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections, said some people have called their offices with concerns. Many people have asked how Biden could be replaced on the ballot when the primary elections are already over.
Well, Dietrich pointed out, the conventions are not over.
“One thing that needs to be emphasized regarding presidential candidates is that for Democrats and Republicans, we won't have any candidates until after the respective national conventions happen this summer,” Dietrich said.
What primary voters selected were the convention delegates pledged to the candidates.
He says after the primaries, Republican and Democratic party officials will present the nominations to local party leaders and Illinois will put the candidates on the ballots on August 23.
Technically no candidate is on the presidential ballot yet, despite the primaries and caucuses.
So any party moves before August 23 are valid, and not a replacement.
Additionally, Deitrich said when you vote in November, you are not technically electing the President then either. He said the names on the ballot are substitutes for the “electors” who – in December – will vote for the candidates who won their respective races.
In the U.S., it's the Electoral College that actually votes the president into office.
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