EXCERPT

Some 6 million Americans who went to the polls in November 2000 failed to have their votes counted. They were, in effect, disenfranchised. The resulting public outrage, as well as our deep commitment to democracy, compelled action, and Congress responded. Last December the House passed bipartisan election reform by a vote of 362 to 63; the Senate followed suit in April by a vote of 99 to 1.

Full text can be found online at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A4583-2002Jul14.html