For Immediate Release
Monday, October 18, 2004
Statement by AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee on Florida Supreme Court Ruling on Provisional Ballots
"Today's decision by the Florida Supreme Court is a defeat for Floridians and the interests of democracy, and hinders efforts to right the wrongs of the 2000 election.
"This decision means that thousands of registered, eligible voters may be disenfranchised through no fault of their own. For example, voters may not have their votes counted because of administrative inefficiency or acts of nature, such as the hurricanes which have left many Floridians uncertain of where their polling places are.
"To reduce potential problems caused by this decision, we urge all Florida voters to vote now, rather than waiting until November 2nd. State law requires every county to allow early voting starting today, October 18. The best way to make sure your vote will be counted is to vote now.
"In the meantime, we are going to keep fighting for the rights of Floridians and work to elect legislators who will defend voting rights."
