CLOSEClose Law.com Menu
 

Florida, Counties Settle NAACP Suit Over 2000 Election

The state and two Florida counties filed papers Tuesday to settle a federal lawsuit by civil rights groups, including the NAACP, alleging widespread voting problems during the disputed 2000 presidential election. The class action claimed that voters were disenfranchised during the election. Key provisions of the settlement would create a state coordinator for election law compliance.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
The state and two Florida counties filed papers Tuesday to settle a federal lawsuit by civil rights groups alleging widespread voting problems during the disputed 2000 presidential election. Hillsborough and Orange counties, and the state of Florida, were the final defendants in the case, which ended without trial. Five other counties settled earlier. David Host, spokesman for the state Division of Elections, released a joint statement saying both sides were pleased to announce “a fair and equitable settlement.” “It’s a long time coming. We’re glad to finally be here,” said Thomasina Williams, an attorney for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Voters had claimed in the class action lawsuit that they were disenfranchised during the election. Key provisions of the settlement would create a state coordinator for election law compliance, report on future election day problems, correct mistakes in a purge of convicted felons from voting rolls and expand voter rights on provisional ballots. There were no admissions of wrongdoing. Plaintiffs’ attorneys said the settlement goes beyond laws adopted since the state became the butt of jokes over the infamous butterfly ballot, hanging chads and antiquated punchcard voting equipment. The new coordinator would devote at least three-quarters of his or her time to looking for election problems and solutions, and to producing reports before and after elections. Plaintiffs’ attorney Anita Hodgkiss said she does not expect the settlement to be in effect before the November general election because the Justice Department likely will review it. Copyright 2002 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Benefits of a Digital Membership:

  • Free access to 3 articles* every 30 days
  • Access to the entire ALM network of websites
  • Unlimited access to the ALM suite of newsletters
  • Build custom alerts on any search topic of your choosing
  • Search by a wide range of topics

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

Trending Stories

 

Featured Product

Global Briefing

A weekly, curated selection of our international content from around the globe, across the business of law, in-house, regulatory, technology and more, with expert insights from our senior editors.

Learn More

More from ALM

 

ALM Legal Publication Newsletters

Sign Up Today and Never Miss Another Story.

As part of your digital membership, you can sign up for an unlimited number of a wide range of complimentary newsletters. Visit your My Account page to make your selections. Get the timely legal news and critical analysis you cannot afford to miss. Tailored just for you. In your inbox. Every day.

Privacy Policy

About Us / Contact Us / Site Map / Advertise With Us/ Customer Service / Terms of Service/ FAQ / Privacy Policy

Publications

Law Topics

Rankings

More

Law.com

Copyright © 2020 ALM Media Properties, LLC. All Rights Reserved.