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Edited on Fri Jan-07-05 09:51 AM by Pacifist Patriot
My apologies if this is a duplicate post. My laptop is unreliable at best and locks up constantly. I don't see this in "My Posts" so hopefully it didn't go through the first time I submitted.
January 7, 2005
The Honorable Senator Bill Nelson
716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Nelson:
I watched the electoral challenge debate yesterday and was struck by a glaring discrepancy between the Republican and Democratic response to the objection. Courageous Democrats spoke on behalf of voting rights for all citizens regardless of race, gender, religion, political party, etc. They presented accounts of flaws in a system unable to assure fair and transparent elections. They pointed out this issue is not about President Bush or Senator Kerry, but about ensuring voters’ rights are protected and all Americans are confident in the legitimacy of the outcome.
By contrast, Republicans framed the contest as a “conspiracy theory” interfering with the business of Congress. Rep. Keller (FL-8) went so far as to tell democrats to “get over it,” leading one to wonder if he has the same advice for his fellow party members out west. The Republican response was more than a little hypocritical considering their current challenge to the Washington state gubernatorial race.
One Republican senator said of election reform, “It’s a shame we’re wasting our time on this today.” What is shameful is any official sworn to uphold and defend our Constitution brushing aside voters’ rights as inconsequential. We cannot claim to be a great democracy if we remain ignorant and complacent about our election system. 100% of our voters should have complete confidence in the process and outcome, yet we failed them in both 2000 and 2004.
Furthermore, Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio’s Secretary of State, functioned as both the head of Ohio’s election activity and co-chaired Bush/Cheney ’04 Ohio, yet Republicans ignored the obvious conflict of interest. A recent House Judicial Committee Minority Staff Report documented Blackwell’s illegal activities in this election. Congress is rightly proud of the progress made with HAVA. But considering verifiable disregard for the federal statutes and thus far failure to enforce them, clearly we have more work to do to improve American elections.
I recognize the difficulty with respect to functioning as the minority party, particularly when the majority party controls all three branches of our government. However, we cannot use that as an excuse to do nothing. Improving our election system benefits all
constituents regardless of whom they intend to vote. Therefore the issue cannot be made into a partisan effort to discredit Democrats as disgruntled losers. We must appeal to moderate Republicans and press for fair and transparent elections in this country. I urge you to:
· Put the full measure of your support behind Senator Lautenberg's Federal Election Integrity Act (FEIA) of 2005.
· Confirm that the GAO conducts a thorough and complete investigation into the 2004 elections.
· Insist on a criminal investigation into the actions of Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell with respect to the 2004 elections.
· Encourage a full investigation into the actions of Florida Representative Tom Feeney and Yang Enterprises.
· Ensure the following provisions are included in enforceable election reform legislation.
o National voting procedures and standards guaranteeing an equitable comparison among precincts and enabling public education programs.
o Transparent software code held in the public domain assuring confidence in recording, tabulating and reporting of all votes.
o Non-partisan election officials at all levels preventing conflicts of interest.
o A paper ballot or receipt confirming the voter’s intent and enabling hand recounts in the event of a contest.
o Random hand count audits to verify the computer tabulated results.
Whether we believe President Bush or Senator Kerry had more voters show up at the polls intending to cast a ballot for him is utterly immaterial to the subject at hand. We must acknowledge the flaws in the 2004 presidential election. Waits of up to ten hours, voter registrations rejected due to the weight of the paper, computer counts not set to zero, computers counting backwards, insufficient computer memory failing to capture votes, and election board lockdowns under false pretenses are facts not theories. Anyone who views these conditions as acceptable is betraying the American voter.
Please use this opportunity to regain the public trust.
Regards,
A slightly similar version which chastizes the republicans will be sent to my other senator and my representative.
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