Florida’s Recount Is Over, But Worries About A 2020 Election ‘Meltdown’ Persist

Volunteers look at ballots during a hand recount in Palm Beach, Florida. The recount decided the election in favor of the Republican candidates for Senate and governor but election experts warn that similar problems could crop up again in 2020 if the state doesn’t address them immediately

Saul Martinez / Getty Images

After nearly two weeks, the Sunshine State’s darkest recurring political nightmare is over.

Florida’s recount process was marred by accusations of incompetence, antiquated voting technology and even a ballot design issue that some Democrats believe cost them a Senate seat. Republicans and the president even suggested — without evidence — that voter fraud had been committed.

For some it brought back flashbacks to the 2000 presidential election, when the nation’s attention was brought to Florida’s humiliating, poorly-organized recount procedure.