AFSCME - 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."

AFSCME’s 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations – from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers – AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

###

American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone (202) 429-1145
Fax (202) 429-1120