National Watchdog Keeps Eye on Florida Election
(WASHINGTON, DC - Nov. 1) In light of the ongoing concerns about election practices in Florida, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights announced today plans to send monitors from Washington to the state to observe the November 5 elections. They will be based in Miami-Dade County, the center of many problems during the 2000 presidential election, but monitor election activities across the state.
The Commission will observe the conduct of election officials and poll watchers and confer with nonpartisan advocates on the implementation of voting policies and practices.
"The Commission is committed to continuing our review of Florida voting rights and election reform adopted by state and federal lawmakers after the 2000 presidential elections," remarked Chairperson Mary Frances Berry. "It is important that we consistently embrace our role of watching the watchers."
The Commission has conducted one of the most exhaustive probes of Florida's
2000 presidential election procedures. Within days after complaints of voting
irregularities, the Commission initiated an extensive probe that included public
hearings in Miami and Tallahassee, interviews with key officials, and review
of thousands of pages of election-related documents. The detailed investigation
resulted in a report finding wide-ranging errors, violations, and disparities
in resources that denied countless Floridians the right to vote. The Commission
revisited the issue in June with a follow-up briefing in Miami. The session
uncovered continued problems and was a warning signal of the barriers encountered
by many voters during the September primary.
11/01/02