Ralph Nader Statement on Florida Electoral Situation.

• Author: Nader, Ralph
• Position: Brief Article

The current deadlock over Florida's 25 electoral votes highlights the unfortunate state of electoral politics in our country. The two major parties have engaged in rampant abuse of the spirit and letter of electoral democracy.

The continued reports of race-based electoral injustice must be considered with the utmost gravity. The Department of Justice should carefully investigate specific reports of voter intimidation and obstruction immediately.

In addition, there should be a nationwide investigation of the persistent disenfranchisement of communities of color by irregular electoral processes and mechanics. African American and Hispanic precincts in Florida and across the country faced unequal staffing, resources, and equipment.

Ultimately, such injustices at the voting booth only serve to undermine the legitimacy of our democracy.

The behavior of the Democratic and Republican parties shows the need for a reinvigorated democracy. Each party continues to place the desires of their corporate contributors and party partisans above those of the country and the American people.

As a nation, we are obliged to end these affronts to the Constitution, the Voting Rights...