Florida Is Set to Ban Chads in Elections

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In the coming days, Gov. Jeb Bush will travel to ground zero of last year’s disputed presidential election to sign a new state law that will banish punch card ballots in Florida and declare the death of the much-maligned hanging, dimpled and, yes, even pregnant chad.

As legislators crafted the final pieces of a sweeping election reform package Thursday, the Florida governor stood outside the Capitol and crowed about legislation he said would serve as a national model. The state House and Senate will cast final votes on the bill today, the last day of a tumultuous legislative session here.

“I think it worked out fantastic,” Bush said of the election reform plan, which he indicated will be one of the first bills he signs.

Three populous counties were the battleground for much of the 36-day presidential election controversy. While the protesters who once lined the streets and filled election offices are long gone, the political wounds are far from healed.

Democrats and the GOP agreed after a 12-hour session this week to produce the most extensive election changes in the nation, which include spending $32 million on voting equipment and voter education.