Shon Week 6: People v. Chad

Bailiff: All rise, honorable Judge presiding. 

Defense: Your Honor. Broward County is one of 67 counties in Florida. There is no way it can be responsible for the fate of the United States of America


EXHIBIT A: The Hanging Chad 


November 7, 2000. George W. Bush (Republican) and Al Gore (Democrat) are neck and neck for the presidency. Florida hangs in the balance with counties like Broward County, yet to count the votes to decide which candidate wins Florida.


The poll workers in Broward County examine the punch card ballots, debating whether or not partially detached pieces of paper, known as hanging chads, are legit votes.


Prosecution: This dispute in Broward County led to Bush winning Florida and the presidency by a razor thin margin by 537 votes. This also led to the Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore, which the Supreme Court ruled against a statewide recount. 


EXHIBIT B: Missing Votes


In 2018, 30,000+ votes were cast in Broward County without recording a selection in Florida's contentious U.S Senate race. Researchers would later determine the ballot design caused ~25,000 unintended undervotes.


Judge: What was the margin of loss?


Defense: Rick Scott (Republican) defeated Bill Nelson (Democrat) by about 10,000 votes. So the design flaw cannot be directly established to a different electoral outcome. 


EXHIBIT C: Last Night 


In Broward County, Democrats David Jolly and Angie Nixon, both earning 200,000+ votes respectively, both winning in the county while losing their respective elections. 


Judge: Did they win in Florida?


Defense: Exactly! Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody still won overall despite losing Broward County. This proves that Broward County can not be an indicator of elections, making them innocent. 


Prosecution: Objection, speculation! Broward County's electoral weight can offset the thousands of other votes, making statewide and even presidential elections a lot closer. Broward may not predict the election, but its influence can definitely shape the result.


VERDICT: Democracy is not only dictated by the people who get the right to vote, but relies heavily on the systems that turn those votes into a voice for the American people. The lesson we learn from Broward County is not only just crazy election stories, but how small impacts in seemingly unknown parts of the U.S have national implications. 


Judge: The ruling is…. Not guilty! The defendant is acquitted


Court Adjourned… Until the next election!

(Image Credit)

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