In one precinct in a predominantly black Miami neighborhood, voting didn't begin until 11:45 a.m., nearly five hours after polls opened. Officials estimated about 500 people left the precinct without voting.
The problems have not been solved, and it's clear that Governor Bush simply doesn't get it that he's the one in charge and needs to rectify this system. (i.e. "What is it with Democrats having a hard time voting? I don't know," Bush said.)
The problem is not the voters! The problem is that over the years there has been a systematic and inherent attitude from statewide government officials across this country towards voting in minority and lower-income jurisdictions. That attitude has led to lack of funding for capable machines or voting activities, lack of programs to provide for adequate poll workers, and lack of interest on the part of the beauracracy in just allowing people to vote. Do you think that this country has really just all of the sudden changed after the Jim Crow days or poll taxes or anything like that when it comes to limited voting rights? They didn't just turn around and say "ok, you're right, we'll let everyone vote." This has been a constant and blatant attempt to dissuade voters from certain communities to NOT vote and that is what disenfranchisement is all about. It is not just saying that people have the right, but making sure that they have the means necessary to fulfill that right. It is not the voter's responsibility to make sure the election runs smoothly. That is why we HIRE and elect these officials to make sure that these things occur flawlessly. When they don't, then it is the government's responsibility, and at the top of the state governments is the Governor, to make sure that everyone is able to enjoy their rights as citizens. I am sooooo angry right now!