Friday, September 17, 2004
The New York Times > Opinion > The Return of Katherine Harris
The New York Times > Opinion > The Return of Katherine Harris
Election 2004 in Florida may have some of the same characteristics as that of 2000. Governor Jeb Bush has appointed political crony Glenda Hood as secretary of state and given her charge for running the 2004 election in the state.
Ms. Hood recently conducted a voting-roll purge of felons. "The voters who were to be taken off the list included more than 22,000 African-Americans, who generally vote heavily Democratic, but just 61 Hispanics, who tend to favor Republicans in Florida. She was forced to scrap the list."
In last month's primary, "some people without photo identification were turned away without being told that they could vote if they signed affidavits affirming their identities." The same thing happened in South Dakota this year; the Board of Elections there told every polling place to post signs advising people of their rights. Ms. Hood's office claims that "voters need not be told of the affidavit option." Poor people and members of other groups that are less likely to have identification often vote Democratic.
Most recently, Ms. Hood has helped Mr. Nader get on Florida's ballot, where he would be likely to weaken John Kerry. A court has ruled against Mr. Nader's claim to have met the requirements to be on the ballot.
Election 2004 in Florida may have some of the same characteristics as that of 2000. Governor Jeb Bush has appointed political crony Glenda Hood as secretary of state and given her charge for running the 2004 election in the state.
Ms. Hood recently conducted a voting-roll purge of felons. "The voters who were to be taken off the list included more than 22,000 African-Americans, who generally vote heavily Democratic, but just 61 Hispanics, who tend to favor Republicans in Florida. She was forced to scrap the list."
In last month's primary, "some people without photo identification were turned away without being told that they could vote if they signed affidavits affirming their identities." The same thing happened in South Dakota this year; the Board of Elections there told every polling place to post signs advising people of their rights. Ms. Hood's office claims that "voters need not be told of the affidavit option." Poor people and members of other groups that are less likely to have identification often vote Democratic.
Most recently, Ms. Hood has helped Mr. Nader get on Florida's ballot, where he would be likely to weaken John Kerry. A court has ruled against Mr. Nader's claim to have met the requirements to be on the ballot.
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