Wexler: Paper Trail Fight Continues In Federal Court

December 5, 2005

Contact: Lale Mamaux
Phone: (202)225-3001

Wexler: Paper Trail Fight Continues In Federal Court

Appeals Court to Hear Oral Arguments December 7 on Florida’s Failure to Comply With Equal Protection Clause of U.S. Constitution

**Media Advisory**

**Press Conference Directly Following Hearing**

(Washington, D.C.) – On Wednesday, December 7 at 9:00 a.m., the 11th District Court of Appeals (99 NE 4th Street, 12th Floor) in Miami, FL will hear oral arguments in Congressman Robert Wexler’s (D-FL) federal elections lawsuit calling on the state of Florida to institute a paper trail in the 15 counties that currently use touch-screen voting machines. Wexler filed his initial federal lawsuit on March 8, 2004, under the precedent set by Bush v. Gore in the 2000 presidential election, which requires uniform standards throughout a state when conducting a manual recount. Because the 52 Florida counties with optical scan machines have a means to conduct a manual recount while the other 15 counties with touch-screen machines have a paperless system that cannot, Wexler is arguing that Florida is currently not in compliance with the Bush v. Gore standard and the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Over the past two years, Wexler has continued the fight in state and federal courts to ensure that all votes are counted as fairly and accurately as possible on Election Day; however, he has been met with staunch opposition by Governor Bush and the Secretary of State, who firmly believe that Florida’s current voting system does not need to be fixed. Wexler argues that it is not only negligent, but it is irresponsible to take the point of view that something as important as one's vote is not worth protecting. Wexler and his attorney Jeffrey M. Liggio of Liggio, Benrubi & Williams will hold a press conference directly following the hearing. Please find details below:

Wednesday, December 7, 2005
9:00 AM
99 NE 4th Street, 12th Floor
Miami, FL

Congressman Wexler is a senior member of the House International Relations Committee and is a member of the House Judiciary Committee.

http://www.wexler.house.gov/news.php?ID=169