UPDATE: Election 2004

The candidates have been sworn in, but legal battles remain in the bedraggled aftermath of Election 2004.

In Washington state, Republicans are in court to force consideration of flawed ballots, and are pushing for a possible revote, even after Democrat Christine Gregoire made her inaugural speech.

A host of bills are on tap in the state to prevent a re-run of similar problems next Election Day. But even reform boosters admit that “human and administrative error” will remain an issue.

In San Diego, the battle is characterized as “voter intent against ballot rules.” Voters supporting write-in candidate Donna Frye often failed to fill in a required oval on their ballots, even though they did write her name in the proper place. The candidates are opening special funds to defray legal costs.

Nationally, Democrats concede that recounts would be unlikely to change the election’s outcome. But many are using widespread allegations of “irregularities” on election day to call for broad reform of the electoral process.

“Bills offer election fixes”
Seattle Times, January 18, 2005

“Analysis: Pondering Gregoire’s oddball liftoff”
Associated Press, January 16, 2005

“Lawsuits in San Diego election pit voter intent against ballot rules”
Associated Press, January 10, 2005

“Rule allows for gifts to handle legal woes”
Union-Tribune, January 17, 2005

“Commentary: Poll reform”
The Albuquerque Tribune, January 12, 2005

“Election 2004: Stolen or Lost”
AlterNet, January 10, 2005


The aftermath of Election 2004 continues to play out.

The recount in Washington state, which includes more than 700 disputed ballots, has put the Democrats in the winning column with 130 votes. The Republicans now say they will try to have their own disputed ballots reconsidered.

There have been no major developments in the attempted New Mexico, Nevada and San Diego recounts and vote challenges.

In Florida and Ohio, allegations of fraud in local and national elections persist. Whether they stick is another matter.

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Earlier stories on Election 2004

WASHINGTON GOVERNOR
“Hand recount in Washington governor’s race gives Democrat 130-vote win”
Associated Press, December 23, 2004

Timeline of events in the Washington governor’s race
Associated Press, December 22, 2004

FRAUD ALLEGATIONS
“Feeney implicated in vote fraud”
Seminole Chronicle (FL), December 16, 2004

“Ohio recount stirs trouble”
Wired.com, December 20, 2004

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