The Associated Press
COLUMBUS - Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell has certified a Nov. 2 ballot that includes independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader and a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Under Ohio election law, Blackwell was required to certify the ballot's form to 88 county boards of elections on Wednesday.
However, Blackwell spokesman Carlo LoParo said the certification deadline was technical and that if either the same-sex marriage amendment or Nader do not qualify, they will be removed from the ballot.
"While candidates and issues can be removed from the ballot, they cannot be placed on the ballot after Sept. 8," he said.
State officials have not yet determined whether backers of the constitutional amendment, which would be called Issue 1, have enough signatures of registered voters to qualify for the ballot.
Issue 1 and Nader also are undergoing legal challenges.
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