The National Organization for Women is calling for action, after thousands of Floridians were effectively deprived of their constitutional right to vote, many of them women and people of color.

Both presidential candidates should stand up for every citizen's right to have her or his vote count.  NOW urges Vice President Gore to remain steadfast in his quest for a fair election. NOW also challenges Gov. George W. Bush to join the call for a just resolution.

Women and people of color fought too hard, for too long, to have their right to vote compromised by an inept process. An absence of malice in this situation does not excuse the will of the people being thwarted. If it proves necessary, then a re-vote must be called in the affected Florida counties to ensure that voters' choices are accurately reflected in this election's outcome.

Reports of mishaps and harassment at the polls combined with misleading or improperly secured ballots does not foster faith in the electoral process. This tainted process cuts at the core of democracy, and the election should not be certified until the outstanding issues are thoroughly investigated and resolved.

A President-elect must truly reflect the will of the voters. No president should take office as a result of a process corrupted by incompetence.

NOW stands with the people of Florida and the entire country to demand that Florida officials uphold the integrity of the electoral process in that state.

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