Uncommon original CES Votomatic voting machine as used in the controversial 2000 presidential election in Florida, which had issues with the 'butterfly ballot' and infamous 'hanging chad' undervotes resulting from the punch-card ballots. The suitcase-style machine features folding 'blinders' for anonymity, and a card with voting instructions is inserted in the lid. When closed, the suitcase measures 22″ x 20″ x 4″. In very good to fine condition. Accompanied by a complete issue of the St. Petersburg Times from November 8, 2000, headlined: "Bush Wins."
The 2000 presidential election came down to Florida, and all major networks had called it for Gore based on exit polls. However, as returns came in and the votes were counted, Bush took an early lead. Bush led the election-night vote count in Florida by 1,784 votes, which triggered an automatic recount the next day. The results of that count reduced his margin of victory to just over 900 votes, prompting a manual recount. The manual recount, which was fraught with legal issues that included the suspension of the count, was certified with Bush in the lead by a margin of 537. The final decision came down to the US Supreme Court in the Bush v. Gore case, decided in Bush's favor on December 12th.
