Lynn C. Woolsey: “in November of 2000, America witnessed the breakdown of its electoral system. Four years later, as far as I can see…”

“in November of 2000, America witnessed the breakdown of its electoral system. Four years later, as far as I can see, nothing that was broken has been fixed. Many Americans believe the same injustices to democracy that we witnessed 4 years ago could occur once again this November. The very security of our democracy is at stake. For all of the Bush administration's talk about securing our Nation from the threat of terrorism, no discussion of security would be complete if it did not address the need to secure our national election system. After the controversial election in 2000, one would think President Bush would do everything in his power to ensure the integrity of America's election system. I know that is what I would have done had I become President of this United States, particularly after having lost the national popular vote by more than half a million votes. But unfortunately, despite some Democratic efforts here in Congress, this administration has failed to win back the trust of our Nation's voters. The Help America Vote Act, which was signed into law in the year 2002, was designed to assist States in upgrading their fragile election systems. I supported this legislation because it took steps in the right direction to make our election system secure.”