WHEREAS:

Voters across the country were denied their basic right to vote in the November elections because of widespread problems in voting equipment, confusing ballots, erroneous voter registration records, as well as outright intimidation and discrimination; and

WHEREAS:

Minority and lower-income voters were more likely to live in communities with older, outdated balloting machinery, such as punch cards; and

WHEREAS:

Current laws protecting voting rights are not being adequately enforced. Barriers to access continue to prevent the physically disabled and the visually or hearing impaired from casting an independent vote.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will continue to support election reform legislation and other measures to ensure fair elections and maintain the credibility of our democratic system of government; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports federal funding for the states to create uniform standards, eliminate discriminatory administrative procedures, implement new technology standards, and train personnel.

SUBMITTED BY:

Jeanette D. Wynn, President and Delegate
Jeanette H. Bartley, Secretary-Treasurer and Delegate
AFSCME Council 79
Florida