dictionary

Judge considers constitutionality of Palm Beach County revote

Labarga

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (CNN) -- Palm Beach County Judge Jorge Labarga began hearing arguments Friday on whether a revote in a presidential election is constitutional. Labarga asked attorneys to argue the issue before he hears arguments on whether the "butterfly ballot" is constitutional.

Labarga said he would not rule on the issue today but would issue a written order next week.

Attorneys representing a number of voters in the county are seeking the remedy of a new election, saying confusion over the county's butterfly ballot caused them to vote for the wrong candidate. Labarga raised questions about whether a second election would be constitutional, citing a law, which he said, suggests only one presidential election could occur every four years.

WHO'S WHO Who's who in the election recount   DOCUMENTS Palm Beach County lawsuits - suits filed by voters challenging the legality of the Palm Beach county general election ballot View the documents

Gary Farmer, an attorney representing plaintiffs who say they were confused by the ballot, applauded the judge's decision to hold the hearing, saying a revote might prove to be the "ultimate remedy" in the dispute over the county's presidential ballots.

"We believe that this evidence has to be heard," Farmer said. "We're certainly not looking to sandbag anyone."

Gore asks court to order manual recounts to continue
November 16, 2000
Florida Supreme Court asked to wade into presidential contest
November 15, 2000
Vote recount must continue past deadline, Gore camp says
November 14, 2000
With Florida court action reaching critical mass, a compromise may be in works
November 14, 2000
Judge grants injunction to freeze Palm Beach vote certification
November 10, 2000
Florida law provides variety of cures for problem elections
November 9, 2000
Reno says Justice Department keeping an eye on Florida election November 9, 2000
Justice Department discusses Florida election
November 8, 2000
Election Day allegations could form basis for legal challenges, experts say
November 8, 2000
Electoral win not a guarantee, no matter what happens in Florida
November 8, 2000

Florida State Courts
Opinions of the Supreme Court of Florida - Provided by the University of Florida Levin College of Law
Florida Attorney General Web site
Florida law: Electors and elections
Florida law: Conducting elections and ascertaining the results

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.