Count Every Vote by Howard Dean
A request from your favorite New England Governor...
After the Florida disaster in 2000, Congress had an opportunity to fix problems and build a better electoral system. It failed to act quickly. When it finally did act, the limited reforms that managed to pass didn't receive sufficient funding.
Now we face an election that, if the results are close, could be even worse. Republican officials in several states have tried to keep people from voting, and the widespread use of paperless electronic voting machines means that some votes can't be recounted.
That's why we all have to take personal responsibility for the integrity of the voting process. Rep. Rush Holt of New Jersey, who has been a leader on election reform, has put together a resource for all of us who want to make sure our elections are fair:
http://www.counteveryvote.org
We have an obligation to ensure that our elections are fair and accessible. At this web site, you'll find information about volunteering at polling places and reporting any problems.
We also have to make sure elections are auditable. Congressman Holt was the only member of Congress who saw that electronic voting machines were flawed. I support his bill to provide a voter-verified paper trail - but the fact is that many people have not used these machines and don't know what to expect.
As more people have learned about electronic voting machines, support for the bill has grown. There are now more than 150 Congressional co-sponsors. But Congress left town without passing it. That's why advocates for voting rights on the ground will be crucial. Please get involved:
http://www.counteveryvote.org
When Congressman Holt started his work on these vital issues, he was all alone. But elected leaders and ordinary Americans have begun to follow. Join us to make sure that this time we have an election worthy of the world's greatest democracy.
Thank you,
Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
