The Fraud Squad

September 21, 2004

When will the outcome of the presidential election be known? Within hours of the close of polling? Within a week? Or, as was the case last time around, only after a weeks-long battle ended by the U.S. Supreme Court?

As the Wall Street Journal's Jeanne Cummings reported last week (subscription required), Democrats and Republicans alike aren't taking any chances -- they're each gearing up for a replay of the 2000 election:

In a closely fought race and with a divided electorate, both parties are planning to keep close tabs on election procedures and pounce on perceived irregularities as a wedge to gain an edge. Complications this year -- including an expected surge in early voting, new elections systems in some areas and large numbers of military voters overseas -- add to potential areas of conflict.

If anything, that's an understatement. Both parties have enlisted the services of thousands of poll watchers and lawyers (along with ample war chests) to challenge disputes as they arise.

There are plenty of early warning signs that the 2004 outcome could be fraught with problems. But unlike the political parties, the news media has not beefed up its resources and risks once again being overtaken and overwhelmed by events, should fraud and disenfranchisement turn into the story of the 2004 election.

Potential trouble spots are numerous.

Read More >>